Persicaria vacciniifolia
Approx. 0.5 litre pot
About this cultivar:
Persicaria vacciniifolia is a relatively unknown garden perennial, forming a low, creeping mound of tiny green leaves. Commonly called rock knotweed. In summer the plant is literally smothered with long spikes of rose-pink flowers. Although spreading, this is a well-behaved species in the garden, suitable for edging as well as in the rockery. Blooms for many weeks, especially in areas with cool summer nights. Foliage develops bright red and gold tints later in the autumn. Try it over a wall. Excellent ground cover for around shrubs. Unsurprisingly has the Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit.
- Position: Full sun, partial shade
- Soil: Almost any soil, grows well in Ballyrobert
- Flowers: July, August, September, October
- Other features: Bees and Butterflies, Royal Horticultural Society Award of Garden Merit (RHS AGM)
- Hardiness: Fully hardy, grows well in Ballyrobert
- Habit: Clump forming
- Foliage: Semi evergreen
- Height: 15 - 30 cm (0.5 - 1 ft)
- Spread: 45 - 75 cm (1.5 - 2.5 ft)
- Time to full growth: 2 to 5 years
- Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
- Colour: Green, red, pink
- Goes well with: --
About this genus:
Persicaria is a genus of flowering plants in the knotweed family (Polygonaceae). Plants of the genus are known commonly as smartweeds, knotweed, fleece flower, or buckwheat. It has a cosmopolitan distribution, with species occurring nearly worldwide. The genus was recently segregated -so many of you old folk probably know it as Polygonum!
The genus Persicaria has many weedy species and somewhat of a bad reputation. However, as with any family, there are always some good members. We think we have found them!
Persicaria leaves are often multi-coloured and often marked with dark centers and silver chevrons. This versatile genus will most likely grow anywhere that isn't a pond or a dark room. Other than an occasional haircut Persicaria is a low maintenance plant, that seems to look at home anywhere you plant it.
