Persicaria odorata
Vietnamese coriander
P. odorata is a spreading herbaceous perennial 45cm high, rooting at the nodes, with reddish-purplish stems, aromatic, lance-shaped leaves which are green with a dark purple-brown chevron, and spikes of tiny pink flowers in late summer which rarely appear, however, in temperate areas; the leaves are used in south-east Asian cooking, and have a pungent, coriander-like aroma when young, becoming more biting and hot as they age
Synonyms
Polygonum odoratum
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Red | Brown Green Purple | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Red | Pink | Brown Green Purple | |
| Autumn | Purple Red | Brown Green | ||
| Winter | Purple |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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
Correct
- Plant range
- SE Asia, China to Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow outside in summer in rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in full sun in a sheltered position, and in a container under glass the rest of the year
Propagation
Propagate by seed in autumn or spring; by division in autumn or spring; or by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, which root easily in soil or water
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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