Persicaria virginiana (Variegated Group) 'Painter's Palette' (v)

RHS Plant Profile
knotweed 'Painter's Palette'

Synonyms

Persicaria filiformis 'Painter's Palette'
Tovara virginiana 'Painter's Pallette'

Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming perennial to 60cm, with green ovate leaves to 15cm long, boldly and irregularly splashed with yellow, and with a central deep red chevron; wispy spikes of tiny greenish flowers open in late summer and early autumn. Very tropical-looking and suitable for smaller gardens or at the front of a shady flower border

Position

Full shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Polygonaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Grow in moist soil in sun or partial shade

Propagation

Divide in spring or autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required. Cut back to ground level in autumn as foliage dies back

Pests

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

Diseases

Generally disease-free