Overview

Tovara virginiana is a perennial in the genus Tovara, part of the Polygonaceae family. Tovara virginiana grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Suggested uses include woodland gardens, shade gardens and naturalized areas. It is native to eastern North America.

About

Tovara virginiana is a perennial in the Polygonaceae native to eastern North America that performs reliably in partial shade and shade. It accepts loamy, sandy or clay soils across an acidic to alkaline pH range and prefers moist yet well-drained conditions. Plant on north, east or west aspects in sheltered or semi-exposed spots where it can naturalise in woodland and shade gardens.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Persicaria virginiana

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.

In the garden

Tovara virginiana is a shade-tolerant perennial from eastern North America and a member of the buckwheat family, Polygonaceae. It suits positions with partial shade to full shade and is often used where light is limited beneath trees or taller shrubs. Soil tolerance is broad: it will grow in loamy, sandy or clay soils and across acidic, neutral and alkaline pH levels. Keep it in moist, well-drained ground rather than drought-prone or permanently waterlogged sites. Choose north, east or west-facing aspects and locations that are sheltered or only semi-exposed to wind to match its preferred exposure. In the UK garden, plant Tovara virginiana in woodland and shade borders or allow it to naturalise in shadier corners of larger beds. Grouping several plants gives a more convincing naturalised effect and helps fill gaps under shrubs and small trees. Position specimens where their tendency to spread into naturalised drifts complements other shade-tolerant perennials.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Tovara

Sunlight

partial shade, shade

Soil type

loamy, sandy, clay

Soil pH

acidic, neutral, alkaline

Soil moisture

moist, well-drained

Aspect

north, east, west

Exposure

sheltered, semi-exposed

Plant details

Tovara virginiana size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Suggested uses

woodland gardens, shade gardens, naturalized areas

Native to

eastern North America

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Tovara virginiana

Cultivation

Prefers moist, well-drained soils in partial to full shade; tolerant of dry shade once established

Pruning

Cut back in late winter or early spring to tidy and encourage fresh growth

Propagation

division, seed

Frequently asked questions