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Description
Persicaria Robustior, also known as Giant Knotweed or Persicaria Polymorpha, is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. It is native to East Asia but has been introduced to North America and Europe as an ornamental plant. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide, making it a popular choice for landscaping.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Polygonaceae |
| Genus: | Persicaria |
Appearance
The leaves of Persicaria Robustior are large, ovate, and bright green in color. The flowers are white and arranged in panicles that can grow up to 12 inches long. The plant blooms in late summer and early fall. The stems are thick and woody, and the plant can spread rapidly through rhizomes, making it invasive in some areas.
Care Guide
Persicaria Robustior prefers moist, well-draining soil and full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types but prefers a slightly acidic pH. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilize in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Persicaria Robustior is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it may be susceptible to fungal leaf spots, powdery mildew, and rust. These can be treated with a fungicide. The plant may also be attractive to deer and rabbits, so it may need to be protected from them.
Habitat
Persicaria Robustior is native to East Asia but has been introduced to North America and Europe as an ornamental plant. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, wetlands, and disturbed areas. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and moisture levels, making it adaptable to many different environments.
Question and Answer
1. Is Persicaria Robustior an invasive species?
Yes, Persicaria Robustior can be invasive in some areas due to its rapid spread through rhizomes.
2. Does Persicaria Robustior attract any beneficial insects?
Yes, the flowers of Persicaria Robustior are attractive to bees and butterflies.
3. Can Persicaria Robustior tolerate drought?
No, Persicaria Robustior prefers moist soil and may not survive extended periods of drought.
4. How often should Persicaria Robustior be fertilized?
Persicaria Robustior should be fertilized once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Related Plants
- Persicaria amplexicaulis
- Persicaria bistorta
- Persicaria filiformis
- Persicaria affinis
References
- “Persicaria polymorpha.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=j190.
- “Persicaria polymorpha.” Plant Care Today, www.plantcaretoday.com/persicaria-polymorpha.
- “Giant Knotweed (Persicaria polymorpha).” Ontario’s Invading Species Awareness Program, www.invadingspecies.com/giant-knotweed/.
