Publicity:

Some shade is important in hotter zones, however even within 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 certain signal of overly dry situations and/or an excessive amount of solar and warmth.

Propagation:

Divide crops in spring or fall as wanted to regulate dimension and unfold. Typically you’ll be able to simply pull the clumps aside together with your arms. Virginia persicaria and its cultivars can reseed excessively and grow to be a nuisance below very best rising situations.

Hardiness:

Our lack of success with P. microcephala picks reminiscent of ‘Purple Fantasy’ and ‘Crimson Dragon’ (pictured above) was seemingly a cold-hardiness challenge. In a number of makes an attempt, these crops have been knocked again exhausting or killed outright in winter.

Behavior:

They vary from ground-hugging spreaders to massive bushy mounds.

Foliage:

Many sport lance-shaped to broad heart-shaped leaves with lengthy pointed ideas. Shades of inexperienced abound, however novel colour kinds reminiscent of white-splashed, silver and burgundy, and outstanding multicolored chevrons mark the leaves of some.

Naming:

Knotweed, a sometimes-used widespread identify of persicaria, refers back to the swollen stem joints or knots on the base of the leaves.

Flowers:

In summer time by way of fall, white, pink, or pink flowers cluster on spikes or sprays. Whereas tiny on their very own, they create influence in whole. Flower kinds vary 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 own, they’re fetching when blended amongst late-season blooms.

Discover the most effective of the most effective persicarias inPersicarias Deserve Your Love—Trial Outcomes

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