About
This spreading herbaceous perennial 45cm high, rooting at the nodes, with reddish-purplish stems, aromatic, lance-shaped leaves which are green with a dark purple-brown chevron, and spikes of tiny pink flowers in late summer which rarely appear, however, in temperate areas; the leaves are used in south-east Asian cooking, and have a pungent, coriander-like aroma when young, becoming more biting and hot as they age.
About the genus
Persicaria can be annuals, herbaceous or evergreen perennials or sub-shrubs with simple leaves and small bell-shaped white or pink flowers in long-lasting spikes or panicles
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeHerbs - Culinary
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toSE Asia, China to Japan
FragranceFoliage
Care notes
CultivationGrow outside in summer in rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in full sun in a sheltered position, and in a container under glass the rest of the year
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed in autumn or spring; by division in autumn or spring; or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, which root easily in soil or water
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free