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Herbaceous Perennial

Persicaria filiformis 'Lance Corporal'

knotweed 'Lance Corporal'

A tough, deciduous, herbaceous perennial growing to 60cm (2ft) high and across, with large, mid-green heart-shaped leaves, each baring a contrasting, dark purple 'V' or chevron on the upper surface. In late summer pinkish-red flowers appear on long, slender stems which are carried well above the foliage

Synonyms

Persicaria virginiana var. filiformis 'Lance Corporal'

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Ultimate height

0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.5–1 metres

Chalk

Clay

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–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: Deciduous
Habit: Clump forming
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: Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grows well in moist, but well-drained soil in partial shade

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Patio and container plants
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back old, flowered stems to the ground in autumn

Pests

Generally pest-free but may be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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