Persicaria polymorpha

Persicaria polymorpha

Although I have just started my internship at the Scott Arboretum, I must express my sentiments toward a certain plant. During my first week I explored the gardens and admired countless plants, yet I kept gravitating towards the Nason Garden. This month in the Nason Garden, Persicaria polymorpha is in bloom with its explosive plumes of creamy white flowers. It is not a subtle plant with its large inflorescences but demands your attention as you enter the space.

The giant fleeceflower is a member of the Polygonaceae family, also known as the knotweed family, which sometimes possesses an undeserved negative connotation. While certain members of this family are notoriously invasive, the giant fleeceflower takes on a controllable clumping habit while still retaining the vigor of its relatives. The vegetative growth of Persicaria species are quite sculptural with their verticality. Personally, I love the internodal lengths of the fleeceflower stems because they follow an undulating pattern that is characteristic of the knotweed family. Contrasting with the upright shoots is strong lateral foliage consisting of lanceolate leaves.

Persicaria polymorpha photo credit: S. Keitch

In time fleeceflower will reach an impressive five feet in height or taller. Although the species does have a tendency to increase in width, it will remain controllable, unlike its cousin Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum). Its large shrub like dimensions makes it a suitable plant for the back of a traditional perennial bed, or it can be used up close for its imposing stature.

One of the giant fleeceflower’s greatest characteristics is that it will grow practical everywhere with the exception of shady locations! It thrives in a wide range of soil types, wet sites and becomes drought tolerant once established. These low maintenance characteristics make it an appealing choice for designers and home gardeners alike. With its strong performance and versatile applications, this is a bold plant that many should try growing.

Sam Keitch
skeitch1@swarthmore.edu
4 Comments
  • Barbara Shaw
    Posted at 17:42h, 16 June Reply

    Great Blog Sam.
    Barb

  • Dave Lietz
    Posted at 13:11h, 24 December Reply

    I Would like to try this persicaria here. I am in Tallahassee., Florida. Even tho they dont set a lot of seeds- Id like to get some seeds of this. Would pay for these. Dave

  • Mark
    Posted at 23:30h, 06 April Reply

    I’m in Sydney Australia and would like to get some seed of Persicaria polymorpha. Could anyone help to direct me to a supplier or may be some of you would have some spare seeds and be willing to send to Sydney
    Regards
    Mark

  • Crystal Fisher
    Posted at 19:01h, 13 October Reply

    I wish you had been able to publish your response to the above 2 questions, because my comment follows theirs. Where can we buy the seeds here in the US. I’m in Central Texas. I had never heard of this plant till a couple of months ago. Thanks for your reply.

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