Plants in genus persicaria
Persicaria odorata
Persicaria odorata, also known as Vietnamese coriander, is a perennial herb used extensively in Southeast Asian and Northeast Indian cuisine. It is not related to mint but belongs to the Polygonaceae family. This plant is a staple in dishes like laksa and is often used fresh in salads and spring rolls. It thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, preferring full sun and well-drained soil, and is resistant to deer and rabbits. Rarely flowering outside the tropics, it can be propagated by seeds or cuttings.
Persicaria 'Brushstrokes'
Persicaria 'Brushstrokes' is a perennial plant with darker green, thicker leaves than its relative 'Painters Palette'. It features a velvety appearance with a dark chevron pattern and grows in upright clumps about 2 feet tall. In very late fall, it produces red-flowering antennae, adding a unique touch to gardens.
Persicaria capitata
Persicaria capitata, also known as Pink Knotweed, is a deciduous groundcover with small green leaves marked by a reddish-brown chevron. It blooms with tiny pink button-like flowers from late September through October. This plant is used medicinally and is known for its drought tolerance and ability to attract insects.
Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Golden Arrow'
Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Golden Arrow' is a Himalayan-native plant with striking lance-shaped golden leaves. It forms a 2-foot tall clump and produces rosy pink flowers from July through October. This plant thrives in half-day sun and moist soil, making it a vibrant addition to summer gardens.
Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon'
Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon' is a striking plant with dark burgundy-red stems and tricolor leaves of purple, silver, and green. It produces tiny white flowers from midsummer to fall and is known for not being a runner. The plant's tips may root if the soil is moist, adding to its unique growth habit.
Persicaria virginiana 'Painter's Palette'
Persicaria virginiana 'Painter's Palette' is a perennial plant reaching 18 inches tall with wiry stems and distinctive 3-inch oval leaves marked with a black chevron. The leaves also feature a white-and-pink sector at the tip. In late summer, the plant is topped with airy stalks of tiny red beads. It prefers moist soils but is drought tolerant, making it a versatile addition to gardens.