Persicaria amplex. 'Taurus' (Knotweed)

About

Persicaria amplex. 'Taurus' is a cultivated form of Persicaria in the knotweed family Polygonaceae, producing spikelike clusters of small flowers. Members of the genus carry flowers that can range from white and greenish through to pink, red and purple; this cultivar flowers in the UK from July to September. The group shows variable root and stem habits, so check the supplier for precise habit and spread.

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. 'Taurus' belongs to the genus Persicaria within the Polygonaceae. The genus has a wide, cosmopolitan presence and was separated from Polygonum; plants in the group are herbaceous and display a variety of root types and stem habits. Inflorescences are commonly arranged as spikes, panicles or tight clusters, and flowers occur in a range of tones from white and greenish to pink, red and purple. Growth form among Persicaria is variable: some have taproots or fibrous roots, others spread by rhizomes or stolons, and stems may be erect or lie closer to the ground. Because of that variability, check the nursery description for 'Taurus' to confirm its mature size and tendency to spread. Allow room for stems and flowering spikes, and position where you can monitor any vegetative spread if rhizomes are present. In a UK garden this cultivar is used where upright or lower spiked flowers are required to extend summer interest; its flowering season runs from July to September, so expect the spires of flowers through midsummer into early autumn. Observe the plant’s habit after the first season and adjust spacing or containment as needed to suit the bed.

More in the Persicaria genus

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