Strategies for Managing Persicaria Growth and Additional Advice on Utilizing Piet Oudolf's Favored Perennial at Hauser & Wirth Somerset
Persicaria, a genus of around 130 species, is a vibrant and varied collection of robust and colorful perennials. Often known as knotweeds or smartweeds, these plants have made an important mark in both modern and traditional gardens, thanks to their late-season flowers that span four months from July to October.
One of the standout species is Persicaria affinis 'Superba', formerly known as Bistorta affinis 'Superba'. This plant, despite its functional appearance, boasts fine decorative qualities and stands at just 30cm tall. Its counterpart, Persicaria affinis 'Superba', carries flocks of flowers at all their stages.
For those seeking taller varieties, Persicaria alpina, with its white flowers that darken over time, reaches a height of 2.5m. Another tall option is Bistorta amplexicaulis Taurus, a selection by Chris Ghyselen that features crimson flowers and substantial inflorescences. This plant can grow up to 1.5m tall.
The white-flowered cultivar Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Fat White', originally Persicaria amplexicaulis, is another noteworthy choice. It was developed by Chris Ghyselen with increased inflorescence length and breadth, growing up to 1.2m.
For a more unique appearance, Bistorta amplexicaulis Orange Field, previously Persicaria amplexicaulis Orange Field, offers coral-flowered blooms. Koenigia campanulata 'Rosenrot', formerly Persicaria campanulata 'Rosenrot', is another eye-catching option with dark green leaves and pink flowers. This refined and elegant plant typically grows between 80cm and 1m.
Bistorta 'Pink Elephant', formerly Persicaria 'Pink Elephant', is a distinctive choice due to its flower spikes that droop and rise again, resembling elephants' trunks. This plant grows to a height of 70cm.
Persicaria virginiana, also known as jumpseed, and its cultivars may self-seed quite prolifically, but this is an innocuous habit as it is easy to remove. This species is widespread throughout eastern North America, while the genus as a whole is found in a wide area emanating from the Himalayan region.
It is essential to note that while some species of persicaria, such as Koenigia x fennica 'Johanneswolke' and Bistorta amplexicaulis, may show competitive zeal above ground and potentially swamp adjacent plants unless they are similarly competitive, most persicaria species are hardy to -20°C with a hardiness rating of RHS H6 to H7. They are generally suitable for gardens within USDA zones 4a to 8b.
The change in species names within the Persicaria genus is primarily due to adherence to botanical nomenclature rules rather than a change in the genus itself. For example, what was previously known as Polygonum persicaria was transferred to the genus Persicaria by Samuel Gray in 1821. However, due to the rules of botanical nomenclature, Gray could not use the name Persicaria persicaria, so he introduced the replacement name Persicaria maculosa to maintain consistency in naming conventions.
In conclusion, Persicaria offers a wealth of options for gardeners seeking vibrant, hardy, and versatile perennials. Whether you prefer tall plants with white or coral flowers, or shorter plants with unique trunk-like flower spikes or pink and pink-green foliage, there is a Persicaria species to suit your garden.
- Persicaria, a versatile genus of around 130 plant species, has made a significant impact in both traditional and modern gardens, appreciated for their late-season flowers that bloom from July to October.
- One of the noteworthy Persicaria species is Persicaria affinis 'Superba', which, despite its functional appearance, stands decoratively at just 30cm tall and boasts flowers at various stages.
- For those seeking taller varieties, Persicaria alpina, with its white flowers that darken over time, grows up to 2.5m, while Bistorta amplexicaulis Taurus, a choice by Chris Ghyselen, offers crimson flowers and substantial inflorescences and can reach 1.5m in height.
- Another noteworthy Persicaria is the white-flowered cultivar Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Fat White', developed by Chris Ghyselen with increased inflorescence length and breadth, growing up to 1.2m.
- For a unique appearance, Bistorta amplexicaulis Orange Field offers coral-flowered blooms, and Koenigia campanulata 'Rosenrot' stands out with dark green leaves and pink flowers, growing between 80cm and 1m.
- Bistorta 'Pink Elephant', with its flower spikes resembling elephants' trunks, grows to a height of 70cm and is a distinctive addition to any garden.
- Persicaria virginiana, although known for prolific self-seeding, is easily removed and is hardy to -20°C, with a hardiness rating of RHS H6 to H7 and suitable for gardens within USDA zones 4a to 8b.
- The change in species names within the Persicaria genus is primarily due to adherence to botanical nomenclature rules, such as the transfer of what was known as Polygonum persicaria to the genus Persicaria by Samuel Gray in 1821, which became Persicaria maculosa to maintain naming conventions.
