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Re: [SHADEGARDENS] Fallopia

In a message dated 98-01-17 11:41:45 EST, you write:

<< We grow both the fallopia (currently in propogation) and a similar look
 alike called  Tovara.  This one has been called a fallopia, a
 polygonatum and sometimes, tovara.  Good luck finding it in your books.
 I have an excellent reference library, and it is only found in two.  I
 think it is a polygonatum as it has the long stems with red,
 insignigicant flowers along it.  It is easy to grow and very
 attractive.  Invasive?  Maybe.  This is year 2 that we've grown it.  It
 grows to about 3 feet in height.  The stems have very pronounced
 swelling at the nodes where the stems attach.
 Does this sound like what you have?
 --
 The Greenhouse Nursery
 81 S. Bagley Creek Road & Hwy 101
 Port Angeles, WA  98362
 (360) 417-2664 >>

I bought this plant in PA last fall.  The nursery had a display area where it
was growing in a neat clump and looking good late in September.

I, too, could not find accurate reference.  My plant was labelled TOVARA.
There is a half page photograph of this plant in Ken Druse's "The Collector's
Garden".  The red flower thought slim and small is a good contrast for the
green and white foliage. It seems strange that he would illustrate a
troublesome plant, his book is written on a rather elitist level.  I am hoping
it does stay put.

I am concerned that it may not be hardy in the north (zone 4) so put it in a
cold frame for the winter.  I think polgonum is the genus, what is the species
???.  The term fallopia is one I have not encountered.

The 1998 Heronswood catalog (which is good reading) has a discussion of this
genus on page 225.

I am familiar with polygonum cuspidatum also called bamboo, or Japanese
knotweed and dozens of other common names.  If you have this Clyde, you will
need a flamethrower.

Claire Peplowski
East Nassau, NY
Zone 4
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