Overview
Phytolacca esculenta is a columnar upright herbaceous perennial in the genus Phytolacca, part of the Phytolaccaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Phytolacca esculenta 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 esculenta is a cultivar of the genus Phytolacca, which includes herbaceous perennials, shrubs, or trees with simple leaves and small flowers arranged in spike-like racemes that develop into glossy, fleshy fruits. This cultivar has a columnar upright habit and deciduous foliage. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, preferring a sheltered aspect such as south, west, or east-facing positions. Suitable for loam or clay soils of varying pH, it requires moist but well-drained conditions. Hardy to UK zone H7, it is well suited to cottage and informal gardens and is best propagated by seed in early spring.
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 esculenta 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 esculenta
- 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 esculenta?
Phytolacca esculenta prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Phytolacca esculenta need?
Phytolacca esculenta 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 esculenta hardy in the UK?
Phytolacca esculenta 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 esculenta?
Seed in early spring.
More in the Phytolacca genus
- Phytolaccapokeweed
- Phytolacca acinosaIndian pokeweed
- Phytolacca dioicabella sombra
- Phytolacca icosandra Purpurascens Group
- Phytolacca insularis