Overview
Persicaria polymorpha is a clump-forming, spreading perennial in the genus Persicaria, part of the Polygonaceae family, with deciduous, lance-shaped leaves foliage. Persicaria polymorpha grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include borders, ground cover and damp areas. It is native to China.
About
Persicaria polymorpha is a clump-forming, spreading cultivar of the Persicaria genus, known for its deciduous, lance-shaped leaves. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and is suitable for east, south, or west-facing aspects. This hardy plant (H7) can grow in a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with moisture levels ranging from moist to well-drained and pH from acid to alkaline. It is ideal for borders, ground cover, and damp areas, and can be propagated by division, basal cuttings, or self-seeding.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Koenigia × fennica
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Persicaria
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist, well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Persicaria polymorpha size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Clump-forming, Spreading
- Foliage
- Deciduous, Lance-shaped leaves
- Suggested uses
- Borders, Ground cover, Damp areas
- Native to
- China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Persicaria polymorpha
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types; cut back hard in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth; suitable for full sun to partial shade; can spread vigorously and may require containment.
- Pruning
- Cut back hard in late winter or early spring
- Propagation
- Division, Basal cuttings, Self-seeding
- Pest resistance
- Resistant to most pests
- Disease resistance
- Resistant to most diseases
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Persicaria polymorpha?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil types; cut back hard in late winter or early spring to encourage fresh growth; suitable for full sun to partial shade; can spread vigorously and may require containment.
Where is the best place to plant Persicaria polymorpha?
Persicaria polymorpha prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Persicaria polymorpha need?
Persicaria polymorpha is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Persicaria polymorpha?
Cut back hard in late winter or early spring.
Is Persicaria polymorpha hardy in the UK?
Persicaria polymorpha has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Persicaria polymorpha?
Division, Basal cuttings, Self-seeding.
More in the Persicaria genus
- Persicaria amp. 'Blackfield'
- Persicaria amp. 'TaurusKnotweed
- Persicaria amplex. 'Alba'Knotweed
- Persicaria amplex. 'Blackfield'Knotweed
- Persicaria amplex. 'Taurus'Knotweed
- Persicaria rucinata 'Needham's Form'