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BogsHerbaceous Perennial

Persicaria microcephala

small-headed knotweed

Densely covers the ground with distinctively-patterned ,reddish to dark green foliage spreading from stout rhizomes. The broadly oval leaves with distinctive brown and grey markings are held on short, winged stalks. Small, rounded heads of tiny white or pinkish flowers top branching stems to 60cm high, from midsummer to autumn

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Ultimate height

0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

1.5–2.5 metres

Chalk

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained, Well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or East–facing

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Polygonaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Semi evergreen
Habit: Trailing
Potentially harmful: Contact with all parts may irritate skin, the sap may cause mild stomach upset if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus: Persicaria can be annuals, herbaceous or evergreen perennials or sub-shrubs with simple leaves and small bell-shaped white or pink flowers in long-lasting spikes or panicles
Name status: Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained or moisture retentive soil in sun or part-shade. Dense groundcover, can be invasive so needs careful siting

Propagation

Propagate by seed in spring, or propagate by stem tip cuttings of non flowering shoots or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Coastal
Wildflower meadow
Banks and slopes
Flower borders and beds
Ground cover

Pruning

Cut back in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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