Persicaria filiformis 'Lance Corporal'

RHS Plant Profile

knotweed 'Lance Corporal'

Synonyms

Persicaria virginiana var. filiformis 'Lance Corporal'

Herbaceous Perennial

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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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 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 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): H6

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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