Overview
Phytolacca is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Phytolacca, part of the Phytolaccaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Phytolacca grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and clay soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden.
About
Phytolacca, commonly known as pokeweed or West Indian foxglove, is a genus of herbaceous perennials, shrubs, or trees with simple leaves. This cultivar has a columnar upright habit and deciduous foliage, producing small flowers in spike-like racemes that develop into glossy, fleshy fruits. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, preferring well-drained loam or clay soils with a moist but not waterlogged condition. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is suited to sheltered, south-, west-, or east-facing aspects and is ideal for cottage and informal gardens. Propagation is by seed sown in early spring, with interest in spring and summer seasons.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Phytolacca
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Phytolacca size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Phytolacca
- Propagation
- Seed in early spring
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to virus diseases
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Phytolacca?
Phytolacca prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Phytolacca need?
Phytolacca grows best in loam and clay soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
Is Phytolacca hardy in the UK?
Phytolacca has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Phytolacca?
Seed in early spring.
More in the Phytolacca genus
- Phytolacca acinosaIndian pokeweed
- Phytolacca dioicabella sombra
- Phytolacca esculenta
- Phytolacca icosandra Purpurascens Group
- Phytolacca insularis