did you know?

This variegated variety of knotweed is a tamed version of a plant that has become a rampant invasive in America. The original, nonvariegated species of knotweed was introduced as livestock feed in the early eighteenth century. A member of the buckwheat family, it tolerates high temperatures, is salt-tolerant, and withstands drought and flooding.

general maintenance:

Shear back spent flowers. Cut back old foliage in spring before new growth emerges. Divide plants in spring or fall.

pests/diseases:

Slugs, snails, and aphids may occur.

controls:

Handpick slugs and snails. Hose off aphids with a directed stream of water, apply horticultural oil, or use beneficial insect predators.

how to sow/plant:

In spring, start with new divisions or rooted cuttings. Choose a site in full sun or part shade with moisture-retentive soil that is not too fertile. Set plants at the same depth they were in their pots, spacing 1 foot apart. Mulch to retain soil moisture.

water and fertilize:

Monitor soil moisture all season and keep uniformly moist. After flowering and again in spring when new growth emerges, apply a balanced fertilizer, following package directions.

garden hint:

Contact with all parts of may cause skin irritation. Wear gloves when working with these plants.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Shade Tolerant

garden uses:

• Containers
• Flowerbed borders

other uses:

combine with:

other foliage plants like Joseph's coat ( 'Rubignosa'), 'Blackie', 'Gartenmeister' fuchsia, and gold-leaved ivies in containers, or plant in the border with tickseed yarrow poppies amaranth