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Re: [SHADEGARDENS] Fallopia, Tovara, Polygonum

Claire Peplowski wrote:
 what  were the other offerings of proper taxonomy (it would be nice to
 know)
 thnaks -rika >>

Without the opening all the books and catalogs I think we had: persicaria,
fallopia, polygonum (which Hersonwood says to order and it will grow to you),
cultivars virginica or virginiana, Painter's Palette, tovara,  and perhaps a
few more.

With no experience except with the "knotweed" individual I am watching that
plant.

Claire Peplowski

   Hi all,
Not only do I sell these plants, they are both in my own garden.   I do know these plants -- The are all members of Polygonaceae (Knotweed).  However, they really do behave differently.  Yes, Fallopia has been renamed several times, in the taxonomists (who are they anyway?) desire to confuse us all and try (for themselves, no doubt) to sort this all out.  Anyway, the genus Fallopia has been called Polygonum cuspidatum,and was called Reynoutria for a bit -- However, the plant we are talking about is Fallopia japonica 'Variegata'.  This outstanding variegated plant will not run, it will not seed all over the place, and can be transplanted with no fear of it reappearing from it's roots.  Polygonum cuspidatum, on the other hand, is inerradicable, weed or not (it is quite statuesque in it's full height and glory, and will run away with itself....)that's your choice.
Tovara virginica 'Painter's Palette', or Persicaria filiformis 'Painter's Palette' is another of the Polygonaceae.  This too is a spectacular variegated plant, especially in the shade.  My experience of this plant is that it does not run, it clumps - However, BEWARE of self sown seedlings - if you do not want a garden full of this or ground cover (only the first year seedlings) you must deadhead the plant.
Do not be afraid of either of these plants.... they will not hurt you or your garden.

Rika    Willow Pond Nursery    http://www.willowpondnursery.com

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