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 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
How do I grow Tovara virginiana?
Prefers moist, well-drained soils in partial to full shade; tolerant of dry shade once established.
Where is the best place to plant Tovara virginiana?
Tovara virginiana prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered and semi-exposed positions.
What soil does Tovara virginiana need?
Tovara virginiana is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loamy, sandy and clay. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist to well-drained.
How do I prune Tovara virginiana?
Cut back in late winter or early spring to tidy and encourage fresh growth.
How do I propagate Tovara virginiana?
Division, seed.
From the Fenn Plants journal
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More in the Tovara genus
- Tovara virginiana var. filiformisJumpseed
- Tovara virginiana var. filiformis 'Painter's Palette'Jumpseed
- Tovara virginiana var. filiformis 'Variegata'Jumpseed