Overview
Phytolacca acinosa is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Phytolacca, part of the Phytolaccaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Phytolacca acinosa 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 acinosa, the Indian pokeweed, is a species of flowering plant in the family Phytolaccaceae. It is native to temperate eastern Asia; the Himalayas, most of China, Vietnam to Japan, and has been widely introduced to Europe. The species was originally described by William Roxburgh in 1814. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and loam and clay soil. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained conditions and south-facing, west-facing and east-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in sun or part shade.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Phytolacca acinosa
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 acinosa 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 acinosa
- 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 acinosa?
Phytolacca acinosa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Phytolacca acinosa need?
Phytolacca acinosa 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 acinosa hardy in the UK?
Phytolacca acinosa 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 acinosa?
Seed in early spring.
More in the Phytolacca genus
- Phytolaccapokeweed
- Phytolacca dioicabella sombra
- Phytolacca esculenta
- Phytolacca icosandra Purpurascens Group
- Phytolacca insularis