Care of the plant Persicaria maculosa or Redshank |
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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 maculata, Persicaria affinis, Persicaria capitata, Persicaria odorata, Persicaria bistorta, Persicaria lapathifolia, Persicaria amphibia. Common names: Jesusplant, Redshank, Spotted lady's thumb, Lady's thumb. This species is native to Eurasia. They are annual herbaceous plants that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height. The lanceolate leaves are deep green. The showy flower panicles contain small pink, white or red flowers. They bloom in summer and fall. These fast-growing plants are used in edging, in borders, next to ponds and streams, and to cover damp slopes. The Persicaria maculosa grows in exposures of full sun (temperate climates) and semi-shade (warm climates). Frost resistant to -15 ºC (5 ºF). The soil can be normal garden soil with some coarse sand and plenty of organic matter. Planting can be done in spring, summer or autumn. Water regularly so the substrate never dries out completely. They do not resist drought. Fertilize with compost in early spring. Prune wilted inflorescences. At the end of winter, prune intensively and control its expansion because they tend to be invasive. They are plants quite resistant to the usual pests and diseases but they can be attacked by aphids if they suffer from drought. They are propagated from seeds sown in spring and by division in late winter. |
Images of the plant Persicaria maculosa or Redshank |
 Persicaria maculosa  Persicaria maculosa  Persicaria maculosa  Persicaria maculosa  Persicaria maculosa |