About
Persicaria amplex. 'Alba' is a member of the Persicaria genus in the Polygonaceae (knotweed) family, valued for its summer display. As with other Persicaria, plants are herbaceous and may show a range of growth habits within the genus. Expect flowering from July to September.
About the genus
Persicaria is a genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the knotweed family, Polygonaceae. Plants of the genus are known commonly as knotweeds or smartweeds. It has a cosmopolitan distribution, with species occurring nearly worldwide.
Wikipedia contributors, "Persicaria", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Persicaria
In the garden
Persicaria amplex. 'Alba' sits within the Persicaria genus of the knotweed family, Polygonaceae, and provides summer interest with its flowering period from July to September. Members of Persicaria are herbaceous and the genus includes species with a variety of root systems and stem habits; some species spread by rhizomes or stolons while others remain clump-forming. Flowering structures in the genus tend to be spike- or panicle-like, and bloom timing here falls squarely in mid to late summer. When placing Persicaria amplex. 'Alba', allow space for the plant's habit and check the specific plant label for whether the clone spreads or stays compact. Many Persicaria respond well to division where they have spreading roots, so dividing in spring is a practical way to keep vigour or create new plants. Remove spent flower stalks to tidy the planting and, if needed, cut back later in the season to prepare for fresh spring growth. Use the summer flowering window to site the plant where its blooms will be seen from paths or seating areas. Because behaviour varies across the genus, confirming the supplier's notes on spread and persistence will help you decide whether to site this cultivar in a mixed border, an informal bed or a larger planting where it can be allowed to develop over several seasons. The reliable summer bloom period runs July to September.
More in the Persicaria genus
- Persicaria amp. 'Blackfield'
- Persicaria amp. 'TaurusKnotweed
- Persicaria amplex. 'Blackfield'Knotweed
- Persicaria amplex. 'Taurus'Knotweed
- Persicaria rucinata 'Needham's Form'