Care of the plant Persicaria capitata or Pink knotweed |
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The genus Persicaria, family Polygonaceae, comprises 100 species of herbaceous, perennial, and annual plants native to all continents. Some species are: Persicaria capitata, Persicaria affinis, Persicaria odorata, Persicaria bistorta, Persicaria maculosa, Persicaria lapathifolia, Persicaria amphibia. Common names: Lesser Knotweed, Persicaria. This species is native to the Himalayas. Scientific synonyms: Polygonum capitatum, Cephalophilon capitatum. They are prostrate plants that reach 10 cm (3-93") in height. They are interesting for the green and bronze leaves (sometimes with a dark V in the upper part) and for their tiny and abundant pink flowers that appear in spherical heads. They bloom from late winter to early fall. They are used to form flowerbeds and borders combined with Tradescantia, Bacopa, Brachyscome, Saxifraga and Ajuga. They are ideal for patios, terraces and balconies in hanging pots. The Persicaria capitata grows in direct sun, semi-shade and shade exposures. They resist frosts down to -9 ºC (15.8 ºF) but lose their leaves. They prefer a loamy soil but can grow in any garden soil. Water regularly so that the substrate is always slightly damp (never waterlogged); they resist a few days of drought. Fertilize with compost or manure in late winter. They do not need pruning but their expansion must be monitored so that they do not become invasive plants. They are easy to grow plants that are resistant to the usual diseases and pests. They are propagated by division in early fall or spring. |
Images of the plant Persicaria capitata or Pink knotweed |
 Persicaria capitata  Persicaria capitata  Persicaria capitata |