About
Produces branched sprays of small, creamy-white, strongly scented flowers in late summer and early autumn. A vigorous, herbaceous perennial to 1.5m or more tall, producing dense clumps of stems clothed with pointed, lance-shaped leaves. This plant is considered invasive in the Republic of Ireland, and legal requirements apply to its control.
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, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationThis plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the UK Wildlife & Countryside Act (in the Republic of Ireland) as an invasive, non-native species. While this does not prevent it from being sold in the UK, or from being grown in gardens, the RHS encourages those that do grow it to take great care with managing it and with disposing of unwanted material. The RHS also encourages gardeners to find alternative plants to grow to those listed on Schedule 9. For suggested alternative plants see the Plantlife/RHS guide: Gardening without harmful invasive plants.
PruningCut stems to the ground at the end of the season. Retain all plant material within the garden to prevent escape into the wild
PropagationReproduces primarily by division; plants can reproduce from tiny fragments of rhizome
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free