Publicity:

Some shade is important in hotter zones, nonetheless even contained in the North, Virginia persicaria (P. virginiana) appreciates afternoon shade and wind safety.

Soil:

Whereas most species are tolerant of soggy websites, they sulk in dry soils. Crispy leaves are a positive signal of overly dry circumstances and/or an excessive amount of picture voltaic and warmth.

Propagation:

Divide crops in spring or fall as wished to manage dimension and unfold. Typically you may merely pull the clumps aside collectively alongside along with your arms. Virginia persicaria and its cultivars can reseed excessively and develop to be a nuisance beneath good rising circumstances.

Hardiness:

Our lack of success with P. microcephala picks paying homage to ‘Purple Fantasy’ and ‘Crimson Dragon’ (pictured above) was seemingly a cold-hardiness drawback. In varied makes an strive, these crops have been knocked as soon as extra exhausting or killed outright in winter.

Conduct:

They fluctuate from ground-hugging spreaders to very large bushy mounds.

Foliage:

Many sport lance-shaped to broad heart-shaped leaves with extended pointed ideas. Shades of inexperienced abound, nonetheless novel shade varieties paying homage to white-splashed, silver and burgundy, and glorious multicolored chevrons mark the leaves of some.

Naming:

Knotweed, a sometimes-used widespread set up of persicaria, refers once more to the swollen stem joints or knots on the underside of the leaves.

Flowers:

In summertime season by means of fall, white, pink, or pink flowers cluster on spikes or sprays. Whereas tiny on their very private, they create have an effect on in whole. Flower varieties fluctuate from chubby bottlebrushes to wiry wands.

Seed heads:

Some seed heads age to eye-catching russet, bronze, or coppery tones. Whereas fairly on their very private, they’re fetching when blended amongst late-season blooms.

Uncover the perfect of the perfect persicarias inPersicarias Deserve Your Love—Trial Outcomes

Richard Hawke is plant analysis supervisor for the Chicago Botanic Yard in Glencoe, Illinois.