Family: Polygonaceae

Most species in this genus have now been placed into other genera: Fallopia and Persicaria. Those described here include a vigorous, deciduous climber, a hardy perennial and a hardy annual. Plants generally have alternate leaves and sprays, spikes or rounded heads of small flowers, generally in pink or red but also white, which are produced in summer and autumn.

Species

P. baldschuanicum (Synonym: Fallopia baldschuanica), zone 4, is an aggressive, deciduous climber with long-stalked, pale green, heart-shaped leaves and masses of tiny, white, pink-flushed flowers, carried in sprays, in late summer and autumn.

P. capitatum (Synonym: Persicaria capitata), zone 8, is a fast-growing, perennial groundcover, striking roots from the nodes on the stein. It has deep green leaves, with brown markings, becoming bronze in autumn, and globular heads of tiny, pink flowers.

P. orientale (Synonym: Persicaria orientalis), Prince's feather, zone 6, an annual to almost 1.5 m (5 ft) high, has long, bright pink flowers. It is sometimes grown for the cut flower trade.

Cultivation

These hardy plants will grow in any ordinary garden soil, but favorable conditions will result in better plants. Propagate perennials by division, annuals from seed, and climbers from hardwood cuttings in autumn.

Climate

There are species suited to various climatic zones.