Aubert's knotweed is a perennial plant that is often grown at home or in a country plot. Some consider it a field grass. This is partly true, but the plant is widely used in landscape design. The main advantage of this flower is that it does not require special care or planting. Aubert's photo of the Highlander demonstrates his simplicity and pleasant sophistication. It is not surprising that this plant has won the hearts of many gardeners.

Description

The homeland of the mountaineer Aubert is considered to be the Far East, Siberia, China and Japan. It grows on rocky slopes, gravel and in mountainous areas. Today there are about 300 varieties of this plant. Among them there are annuals and in nature you can see subshrubs and vines. Aubert's knotweed grows in almost all parts of the world. At the same time, he can feel great both in the meadow and on the bank of the river, in the forest or in the highlands.

Appearance

This plant is distinguished by erect or prostrate stems, which may curl slightly. Aubert's knotweed has simple leaves. If we talk about the flowers, they are quite small, collected in few-flowered curls, although they are often collected in racemes. The fruit is a small nut containing up to 100 seeds.

The height of the perennial plant Aubert's knotweed can reach up to 30-40 cm. Sometimes long hairs can be seen on the grass trunk, and sometimes it remains completely bare - it all depends on the variety of the subspecies. The length of the leaf blades of the flower is about 2.5 centimeters. They are quite sharp and wedge-shaped in shape. Flowers are located at the tops of stems or branches. In this case, the inflorescences practically merge with the vegetative part of the stem. The perianth may be white or pink.

Disadvantages of the Highlander

Gardeners very often scold the plant for being too aggressive, which manifests itself in the fact that the mountaineer very much “wants to live”, so it spreads across almost the entire suburban area. Sometimes it becomes impossible to control its growth: even if the planting of the Aubert knotweed is kept to a minimum, this does not change the situation.

In just one season, this plant can throw out new shoots several meters beyond the boundaries of 1 bush. This brings a lot of inconvenience, since in this case gardeners have to constantly weed out shoots that spread throughout the entire area. That is why the plant is not recommended to be planted in a small garden. The Highlander loves large spaces so that he has room to roam!

Aubert's Highlander: photo, planting and care

As was said at the very beginning of the article, knotweed does not require special growing conditions. Moreover, this feature applies to all types of plants. The same applies to other characteristics and properties of the flower.

If we talk about the winter hardiness of the Aubert knotweed, it is worth noting that it is perfectly capable of adapting to cold conditions, so it is ideal for growing in harsh climates. Among other things, this plant grows and develops well in partial shade and is not negatively affected by high air humidity.

However, like any other plants, it is best planted in more fertile and moist soils. Loamy soil is considered the best. Just look at the photo of the Aubert knotweed to understand how well it can grow in such fertile soil.

If we talk about oxidation, it is better to choose slightly acidic or neutral soil. Pests do not bother this plant, which looks very much like a huge weed. By the way, this is why it is often called knotweed. This name “clung” to it due to its amazing ability to spread over large territories in a minimum amount of time.

Special Preferences

Aubert's knotweed, planting and caring for which is not particularly difficult, is quite unpretentious. But the plant can be pampered. To do this, it is best to plant it on neutral soil. By the way, this unusual weed loves those areas of the garden in which there is a large presence of groundwater located as close to the surface as possible. The only exception is the splayed knotweed. This subspecies, on the contrary, prefers dry land with moderately moist soil.

Secrets of caring for the Aubert Highlander

When planting, it is worth considering that during the summer it needs to be provided with moderate watering. If the groundwater in the soil is too low, it is recommended to water the plant as often as possible. If necessary, the knotweed can be fertilized, but even without this it will bear fruit perfectly.

Highlander tolerates drought well, but excessive waterlogging makes it feel uncomfortable.

Remember that young plants do not tolerate frost quite well, so they need to be covered for the winter. If severe cold sets in in the fall and the leaves of the knotweed die, then its stems must be cut off immediately. Sometimes the foliage of a plant begins to turn yellow with the arrival of autumn, so upon arrival at a suburban area in the spring, it is worth removing all brown and wilted leaves.

Reproduction methods

By and large, this plant does not need artificial propagation, since it grows well on its own. However, if such a need nevertheless arises, you can use any of four methods: use seeds, cuttings, dividing the rhizome or bush.

Keep in mind that each subspecies has its own preferences. As a rule, seeds should be sown in late spring immediately after frosts have subsided. In this case, the seeds can either be immediately placed in the ground, or they can be pre-germinated in boxes.

If we talk about Aubert's knotweed, this plant prefers cuttings. Let's take a closer look at the features of this procedure.

Cuttings of knotweed

Cuttings can be performed both in spring and summer. Plants must be planted at a distance of 20 to 60 cm from each other. It should be borne in mind that replanting new shoots is often not required. By the way, in one area they can live up to 10 years.

In order to perform the cutting procedure, it is necessary to prepare the source material. Branches with at least two nodes should be used as shoots. Also, the cuttings must be treated with Kornevin.

After this, you need to prepare the bed that needs to be insulated. You need to make sure that the temperature of the earth is slightly higher than the environment. In this case, the rooting of the new plant will occur much faster. In order to organize high-quality insulation, it is necessary to place a little horse manure at the base of the ridge, sprinkle it on top with fertile soil and sand mixed with peat in equal proportions.

Landing is quite simple. The lower node of the prepared cutting must be buried 1-2 cm into the ground, then covered with polyethylene or other material in order to create the necessary microclimate around the plant. For winter, plants must be dug up and stored at a temperature of no more than +2 °C. After this, the finished shoots can be safely planted in the spring.

On a note

As has already been said many times, this plant spreads quite actively throughout the countryside, but there is a special trick that can help you avoid aggressive occupation of fertile territory. To do this, it is necessary to create limiters up to 30 cm deep around the knotweed.

Please note that in conditions of severe drought, or, conversely, high humidity, flower clusters may form on plant stems. In this case, the plant will look a little more modest and graceful in appearance.

If we talk about the root system of the knotweed, it is characterized by increased creeping, so the flower spreads not only above the ground, but also below it. That is why it is necessary to weed not only the upper parts of unwanted shoots, but also thin out their rhizomes. However, this disadvantage can turn into an advantage if you need to quickly green up an unsightly garden plot.

This plant is very popular among landscape designers, as it can be used to quickly create decorative fences and other living fences.

Procurement and storage

As a rule, it is customary to collect highlander from the second ten days of June until the end of autumn. It is advisable to perform this procedure during a period of drought, at the moment when the plant begins to bloom. To do this, it is necessary to separate all excess parts from the knotweed and dry it in the open air. It is recommended to avoid direct sunlight.

It is best to dry the plant in the attic. In this type of room there is enough fresh air, and the sun does not dry it out. If necessary, special drying devices can be used. In this case, the temperature should be set no higher than 45-50 °C. Ready shoots are stored in woven bags or cardboard boxes. This is how highlander retains all its properties for almost two years. After such a long period of storage, it is not recommended to use dried herbs.

Use of knotweed in everyday life

According to reviews, Aubert's knotweed is successfully used as a healthy feed for livestock. This plant has a huge amount of nutrients, so it is used along with clover and alfalfa.

In ancient times, the above-ground parts and roots of plants were used to give fabrics a yellow tint. Today, this unique plant is used in the production of wine or liqueurs. If you are talking about cooking, then young knotweed is suitable for making salads or cooking vitamin soups. In some Central Asian countries, knotweed is used as a filling for pies, and some nationalities use this herb to clean dishes.

Medicinal properties

Polygonum contains a huge amount of tannins, silicic and ascorbic acids, and carotene. Thanks to this, the herb is considered healing. It is used in the treatment of inflammatory processes occurring in the stomach, liver and kidneys.

Also in folk medicine, tincture of knotweed is widely used. It is used to remove stones from urolithiasis. In addition, this plant is actively used in the form of decoctions, powder, tinctures, extracts, etc. Scientists have proven that this unpretentious plant has a lot of useful properties.

Use in folk medicine

Aubert's knotweed is widely used in folk medicine. As a rule, it is used to improve digestion. In this case, the rhizomes of the plant are poured with alcohol in equal proportions and infused.

Knotweed is widely used for ear diseases. In this case, knotweed is used. In addition, it is used for a number of many medical procedures, as it has a huge number of positive properties.

What types of knotweed are often grown in suburban areas?

In addition to Aubert's knotweed, other varieties of grass are also grown in the gardens. Very often in a suburban area you can see a related knotweed. Externally, this plant is characterized by its short stature; as a rule, it spreads slightly along the ground. You can also find double-twisted knotweed, which is also called its homeland, Japan, China and the Himalayas. It is also suitable for growing in harsh climates.

All varieties of this plant are distinguished by their attractive appearance and unique unpretentiousness. They can be successfully used as components of a design composition or as separately planted plants. In addition, Aubert's knotweed vines tolerate pruning very well, so you can give the plant any shape. All procedures for the decorative formation of a grass carpet can be carried out at any time of the year. Highlander is distinguished by its enormous vitality, therefore such procedures do not have a negative impact on it. However, do not forget to limit its growth in a timely manner. Otherwise, in a few years this plant will fill the entire area and crowd out other flowers, so take care of at least minimal care - Aubert's knotweed is very aggressive in growth.

Variable knotweed is a perennial herbaceous plant, a garden giant up to 2 meters in height with long-lasting lush flowering that fills the garden with a honey aroma.

The knotweed belongs to the extensive Buckwheat family. There are about 300 species in the genus Polygonum, 20 of which are used in cultivated floriculture. Among them there are low and tall herbaceous perennials, creeping and neat bushes, and even vines. Some species of knotweed can be quite aggressive. For example, Sakhalin knotweed, or Sakhalin buckwheat (Polygonum sachalinense), can easily turn your garden into tall impenetrable thickets.

However, the hero of today's publication is not like that. The changeable highlander, although it is a huge bush, however, its disposition is quite peaceful and not prone to aggression.

Polygonum polymorpha is one of the most interesting representatives of the genus for the gardener, native to East Asia. It is a luxurious bush up to 2 meters high, about 1.5 meters in diameter, and also has long-term (more than 2 months) flowering. Strong, thick shoots hold large inflorescences well and do not require garter. An airy white cloud of paniculate inflorescences fills the garden with a spicy honey aroma until mid-August. The knotweed bush does not lose its decorative appearance even after flowering; dried inflorescences remain on the plant until late autumn, and the shoots are painted in purple tones. If the dried panicles are cut off, the side shoots will begin to bloom.

Highlander is changeable. Growing and care

Variable knotweed prefers a sunny location, but also tolerates slight shade. It is undemanding to soils, but prefers moist, fertile soils with slight acidity.

Care consists of watering during dry periods and pruning in late autumn.

Variable knotweed can grow in one place, requiring replanting for up to 10 years. The plant is quite winter-hardy and does not need shelter in central Russia.

Propagated by division or root suckers in spring and cuttings or layering in summer.

Polygonum in garden design

Variable knotweed is undoubtedly an architectural plant loved by landscape designers. Large perennials, unlike ornamental shrubs, are not always the same size. It is very interesting to observe how, in place of a clearing of low spring flowers, a wall of huge bushes gradually forms. There is some intrigue in this.

Polygonum can be used to decorate the background of a flower garden, decorate buildings, delimit the garden into zones, and decorate a pond. In any case, it will be good! But it is better to plant it solo, for example, on the lawn, then you and your guests will be able to plunge, as they say, headlong into the fragrant thickets, because the inflorescences are just at the height of human growth. For the same reason, it is good to plant polygonum near a place to rest or under windows in the front garden.

You can combine variable knotweed with completely different plants - perennials, but you need to take into account the size of the giant. Neighbors must match it, if not in height, then at least in the volume of plantings, that is, for one knotweed bush you can choose several specimens of a less stately plant, for example, a milkflower bell, as neighbors. Also, the variable knotweed will be good in combination with ornamental grasses, veronicastrum, geraniums, echinaceas, etc.

Polygonum

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The name Polygonum comes from the Greek words "polys" - a lot of and "gonos" - knee; given for the knotted, geniculate stem. As for their generic Latin name, botanists have not yet reached a consensus. In various foreign publications, highlanders are found under the names Polygonum, Persicaria, Fallopia, Reynotria, Tovara.

The genus includes about 300 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants, less often subshrubs and vines, widely distributed throughout the globe. They can be found in different parts of the world - in meadows and along river banks, in forests and in the highlands.

There are about 20 species in culture. Stems are erect or prostrate, sometimes curly. The leaves are simple, alternate. The flowers are small, in few-flowered curls, often collected in racemes or paniculate inflorescences. The fruit is a nut. There are up to 100 seeds in 1 g.

The knotweed is a surprisingly diverse and interesting genus. Wherever and in whatever form you will find it - from the well-known grass on a village street to three-meter thickets of Sakhalin buckwheat, from a modest inhabitant of lakes and swamps, the amphibian mountaineer, to the “Baljuan buckwheat” - a fifteen-meter vine, wildly entwining hedges, buildings and neighboring trees.

In our conditions, species such as related mountaineer(Polygonum affine), a short ground cover native to Nepal, and Highlander double twisted(Polygonum bistorta), or, as it is also called, serpentine. In recent years, they have been joined by new, previously unfamiliar species - from Japan, China, the Himalayas and the Far East. They also turned out to be quite unpretentious and grow successfully in Ukraine. These wonderful plants have a place in any garden - they can act both in compositions and as tapeworms. Highlanders tolerate pruning well and remain decorative throughout the season.

—Polygonum alpinum

It grows wild in forb steppes and mountain meadows in the temperate zone of the Northern Hemisphere.

Grows into powerful spreading bushes up to 150 cm tall. The stems are numerous, branched at the top. Leaves are lanceolate-ovate. The rhizome is cord-like, strongly creeping. It blooms very profusely in mid-summer. The flowers are numerous, white, collected in large dense panicles. Winter-hardy, can do without shelter.

An extremely unpretentious, aggressive, but very ornamental weed. Good for planting near outbuildings and fences. Interesting in a cut.

—Polygonum weyrichii.

It grows wild on the grassy slopes of Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands and Japan. It grows into powerful thickets up to 200 cm high. Branched leafy stems. The leaves are oval-elongated, sessile. The rhizome is cord-like, creeping. Blooms in late summer. The inflorescence is racemose, the flowers are very small, white, inconspicuous. Winter-hardy, does not need shelter.

Extremely unpretentious, prefers rich loams. Good for planting near outbuildings and fences.

—Polygonum viviparum L. -Polygonum insulare = Bistorta vivipara (L.) S.F. Grau

Homeland - Europe, Asia, North America. In swamps, marshy meadows and forests; in the mountains rises to the highlands.

Perennial plant up to 50 cm tall. The stem is erect, simple, bare. The leaf blades are quite rigid, bare or hairy below, flat or with edges turned downwards; basal - elliptical, oblong, lanceolate, 2 - 10 cm long and 0.5 - 2.5 cm wide, pointed, wedge-shaped or rounded at the base, less often slightly heart-shaped; petioles are usually longer than the blades, stem petioles are linear and short-petioled. The inflorescence is loose, narrow, 3 - 8 cm long and 0.5 - 1 cm wide, with sessile buds in the lower part. Perianth 3 - 3.5 mm in length, white, pale pink. Fruit length - 3 mm, triangular.

Blooms in June-August. Instead of flowers, small bulbs sometimes appear in the inflorescence, with which the plant easily propagates.

—Polygonum capilatum.

An elegant, but little-known annual plant has a rare quality among annual plants - it quickly covers the soil. Highlander is heat-loving, moisture-loving, and grows well in the sun. When grown in partial shade, the leaves acquire a less decorative color. A strongly branched, creeping plant 10 - 15 cm high, with medium-sized leaves with reddish stripes and spots on a green background. Small round inflorescences with a diameter of 1 - 1.5 cm are collected from small light pink flowers and are located slightly above the leaves. Decorative from June until the first frost.

Propagated by seeds and cuttings. Watering is needed when the soil dries out. Fertilizing is carried out during the growth period with complex fertilizers 2-3 times. Not demanding of care. You can make a beautiful border from knotweed (it tolerates pruning well), plant it in a mixborder in an empty space, in a garden vase or container where the shoots will hang a little. Finally, it is suitable for potting.

Polygonum polymorpha Nakai. = Aconogonum polymorpha (Nakai.)Nakai.

Homeland - East Asia. One of the most interesting species. This is a large perennial, the luxurious bush of which can grow to a height of almost 2 m. Strong, hollow, straight, highly branched stems in the upper part with a diameter of more than 2 cm are covered from bottom to top with oblong-lanceolate leaves (more than 10 cm long). Huge complex paniculate inflorescences, consisting of small white flowers emitting a spicy aroma, resemble a white cloud. This mountaineer blooms in late June - early July and remains in bloom until mid-August. However, even after this, its fluffy panicles remain decorative. It has a powerful root system that goes into the soil to a depth of 30 cm. These mountaineers are unpretentious, overwinter without shelter, and grow well in any soil.

—Polygonum affine G. Don

Homeland - Himalayas, Nepal. Perennial, herbaceous plant 20-25 cm tall. Stems erect. The leaves are oval-lanceolate or oblong-lanceolate, entire, evergreen. The flowers are small, pale pink, pinkish-red towards the end of flowering, collected in dense spike-shaped inflorescences 6-10 cm long. Blooms from May for 80-90 days. Bears fruit. It is also decorative after flowering, when the fruits and leaves acquire a dark red color. In culture since 1845. There are two varieties: "Darieling Red"- flowers are deep pink; "Donald Lowndes"- pink-red flowers.

Prefers a shady location, but also grows well in the sun. It is not picky about soils, but does not like acidification. It grows successfully only in well-drained areas. Drought resistant. Does not tolerate stagnant groundwater. Recommended for group and border plantings. It is winter-hardy, but suffers in snowless winters. Preventative cover with coniferous spruce branches is advisable. To preserve overwintered leaves, spring shading is necessary.

Exclusively decorative, used to create ground cover groups and for planting on wide terraces of rocky gardens. Suitable for cutting and dry bouquets. The related knotweed is used to decorate the coastal zone of small reservoirs, planting it in clumps next to low perennials and bulbous plants. The dense green carpet of its leaves and elegant inflorescences will go well with astilbes, medium-sized hostas, and Tradescantia virginiana. When selecting partners, it is necessary to take into account that on fertile soils, related knotweed can grow greatly, suppressing less hardy species.

Sakhalin knotweed, or Sakhalin buckwheat—Polygonum sachalinense Fr. Schmidt

It grows wildly in the south of Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands, and Japan. A perennial herbaceous plant with a creeping rhizome. Stems are straight, hollow, strong, up to 300 cm tall, green or brown. The leaves are large, up to 30 cm long and 20 cm wide, broadly oval or oval-oblong, on short petioles. The flowers are small, whitish-cream, collected in paniculate inflorescences up to 20 cm long. Blooms in July-August for 40-45 days. The fruit is a triangular, dark brown nut. Winter-hardy. It is used as a decorative foliage plant to camouflage outbuildings and create thickets. The only difficulty is that it is growing too much, we have to contain it so that the Sakhalin giant does not capture too large territories. To do this, it is enough to dig limiters 30 cm deep. In culture since 1863.

—Polygonum amplexicaule

Homeland - mountain meadows of the Himalayas. Perennial bushy plant. The stems are straight, 80-120 cm high. The leaves are wide, lanceolate, green, yellow in autumn. Its bush is decorated with bright spikelet inflorescences. They appear in mid-July and turn red until the end of August. The powerful, horizontally growing rhizome develops slowly, and the knotweed looks like a compact bush.

In the middle zone, it should be planted so that the rhizome buds are at a depth of 8-10 cm from the soil surface - this will protect the plant from freezing. In the fall, it is advisable to insulate it: cover it with earth and cover it with lutrasil.

There are also decorative deciduous mountaineers - they look unusually impressive throughout the season. Their stems are straight, with lateral shoots, quite strong, covered with large (10-12 cm long), elongated heart-shaped leaves, located alternately on the stem. Paniculate inflorescences at the ends of the central and upper lateral shoots consist of small white or pink flowers that appear in the second half of summer

Location: grow in a bright, semi-shaded, cool place with moist air.

The soil: prefer moist, fertile, well-fertilized soils with a slightly acidic reaction. Snake knotweed tolerates close groundwater. Knotweed is splayed and related to dry-loving.

Care: Remove brown leaves in spring. Water and fertilize well. In late autumn, cut off the “carpets” that are too large.

Reproduction: division, root shoots. Eastern knotweed, serpentine, splayed - with stratified (1-2 months) seeds at the end of May in a permanent place or before winter in boxes. Seeds germinate in light at 18-25 °C. They can easily tolerate transplantation with a clod of earth. Rhizomatous mountaineers grow quickly, forming dense thickets; they can grow in one place for up to 6-10 years.

Botanists around the world have not yet come to a consensus on what Latin name to assign to this plant as a generic name. In various publications, the mountaineer from the Buckwheat family is called Persicaria, Reynotria, Fallopia, Tovara, most often Polygonum. The last name comes from the Greek “polys” - many, “gonos” - knee, this term is assigned to the plant for its geniculate, knotty stem.

Knotweed - decorative flower

There are approximately 300 species of knotweed. More often it is a herbaceous, annual or perennial plant, less often a liana or subshrub. It has spread widely across the globe, growing in forests, on river banks, meadows and highlands.

Stems are prostrate or erect, occasionally climbing. The leaves are alternate, simple. Small flowers are collected in racemes or paniculate inflorescences. The fruit is a nut with many seeds.

Knotweed is interesting due to its surprisingly diverse species and prevalence under a wide variety of natural conditions. You may encounter it on the street in a village in the form of ant grass, or it can create three-meter thickets of Sakhalin buckwheat. It grows modestly near swamps and lakes, or can proudly stretch out as a 15-meter vine that quickly entwines buildings, hedges, and trees growing in the neighborhood.

About 20 species of this amazing plant are used in decoration. It is quite unpretentious, grows successfully in different zones, tolerates pruning well and maintains its decorative appearance all season long.

Decorative plant species

Alpine knotweed

Polygonum alpinum grows wild in the mountain meadows and mixed-grass steppes of the Northern Hemisphere in the temperate zone. It grows into a powerful spreading bush one and a half meters high. Numerous stems are branched in the upper part. The foliage is lanceolate-ovate. The roots are strongly creeping, cord-like.

It blooms very profusely in mid-summer. numerous, in large panicles. Highlander is frost-resistant and does not need shelter for the winter.

The plant is a weed, aggressive, unpretentious, but very decorative. It is good to plant it near outbuildings and fences. Looks beautiful in cut bouquets.

Ayansky knotweed

Aconogonon ajanense grows in Japan, Siberia, the Far East, and China. It can be seen on gravelly screes, rocky slopes in the subalpine and alpine mountain belts.

The plant is perennial, reaches 40 cm in height. The stem is erect, with spreading branches, covered with short hairs, sometimes with the addition of long hairs. The leaves are elliptical, pointed, broadly wedge-shaped at the base. They grow on short petioles, can be hairy, sometimes glabrous. The flowers form clusters located at the tops of the branches and the main stem.

Perianths are pinkish or white.

Knotweed lingonberry

Polygonum vaccinifolium is native to the Himalayas. It is a herbaceous creeping perennial that grows up to 15 cm.

Forms large groups. At the end of summer it blooms with a small pink color. Flowers are collected in dense inflorescences.

Quite frost-resistant, but requires protection from moisture in winter.

Weyrich Highlander

You can see Polygonum weyrichii in the wild on the grassy slopes of the Kuril Islands, Sakhalin, and Japan. Forms powerful thickets up to 2 m high. The stems are branched, the leaves are oval, elongated, sessile. Cord-like roots are creeping. Blooms in late summer. The racemose inflorescences consist of very small, inconspicuous white flowers. Knotweed is winter-hardy and does not require shelter.

The plant is very unpretentious, although it prefers rich loam soils. It’s good to use it to decorate fences and outbuildings.

Knotweed viviparous

Polygonum viviparum grows in Europe, North America, and Asia. It grows in swamps and marshy meadows, in mountains and forests.

The plant is perennial, about 50 cm tall. The erect stem is simple, glabrous. The leaves are flat, sometimes with curled edges, and the leaf blades are hard. At the root, the foliage is elliptical, pointed, round or wedge-shaped at the base, the petioles are longer than the blades. Stem leaves are linear, on short petioles. The inflorescences are loose and narrow. The perianth is pale pink or white. The fruits are triangular.

Viviparous knotweed blooms in June. Sometimes, instead of flowers, small bulbs are formed, thanks to which the plant multiplies quickly.

Eastern knotweed

India became the birthplace of Polygonum orientale. This species is annual, herbaceous, rather tall (up to 2 m). It blooms with small red flowers, collected in drooping paniculate inflorescences. Grows well in nutritious, deeply cultivated, moist soils.

The species is propagated by sowing seeds in spring (in May) immediately to a permanent place. In addition to decorating fences and walls, they are used to create a background when creating mixborders.

Capitate knotweed

Polygonum capilatum is little known, but at the same time it is a very elegant annual plant that has a rare quality among summer plants - it can quickly cover the soil.

The plant is thermophilic, grows well in sunny places, loves moisture. In partial shade, the color of the leaves becomes less decorative.

The knotweed branches abundantly, spreads, and grows small - 15 cm in height. The leaves are medium-sized, with reddish stripes and spots. The inflorescences are small, round, collected from small light pink flowers located above the leaves. Knotweed is decorative from June until frost.

Propagates well by seeds and cuttings. Sow seeds in March for seedlings in pots. After 10-14 days, shoots will appear. It is better to plant in open ground in early June, spacing the sprouts 15-20 cm apart. When the soil dries out, water. During the growth period, feed the plant 2-3 times.

Knotweed can be used to form a beautiful border, as it tolerates pruning well.

You can also plant it in an empty space in a mixborder, in a garden vase, from where the shoots will hang beautifully.

Highlander changeable

Polygonum polymorpha is native to East Asia. This is a very unusual plant - a large, luxurious perennial bush, growing up to 2 m. The stems are straight, strong, hollow, highly branched at the top. The root system is very powerful, going to a depth of 30 cm. The leaves are oblong-lanceolate. The inflorescences are huge, paniculate, complex, formed from small white flowers with a spicy aroma. The plant blooms in June and continues to bloom until mid-August. Fluffy panicles remain decorative for a long time.

The highlander is changeable and unpretentious; it does not need to be covered in winter; it grows well on any soil.

Highlander related

Polygonum affine is native to Nepal, Himalayas. This species is perennial, herbaceous, reaching 25 cm in height. The stems rise. The leaves are oval-lanceolate or oblong, evergreen. In dense spike-shaped inflorescences up to 10 cm long, the flowers are pale pink, small, and darken towards the end of flowering to a pinkish-red hue. The related knotweed remains decorative after flowering thanks to its fruits and leaves that acquire a dark red color.

Beautiful decorative varieties:

• Darieeling Red – with deep pink flowers;
• Donald Lowndes - with a pink-red tint of flowers.

The related knotweed prefers shady places, but grows well in full sun. Not picky about soils, just doesn’t like them to become acidic. If the areas are well drained, it develops well. It is drought-resistant and does not tolerate stagnant groundwater.

Frost-resistant, but does not tolerate snowless winters very well. For prevention, it is better to cover with coniferous spruce branches. Overwintered leaves need to be shaded in the spring.

Knotweed is excellent for ground cover groups, planting on wide terraces in rocky gardens. Can also be used for cutting and creating dry bouquets.

Decorative when decorating the coastal zones of small reservoirs when planted next to low perennials and bulbous plants. Forms a dense green carpet; elegant inflorescences go well with medium-sized hostas, astilbes, and Virginia Tradescantia. It should be taken into account that, growing strongly on fertile soils, knotweed can suppress species that are less hardy.

Highlander splayed

Polygonum divaricatum originated in Mongolia, China, and the Far East. This species is perennial, has many stems up to one and a half meters high, with brownish bark. The leaves are lanceolate, the upper ones are up to 6 cm long, the lower ones are longer - up to 10 cm. The small flowers are whitish, collected in highly branched dense panicles. Due to its wide branching, the highlander received its name.

Sakhalin knotweed

Polygonum sachalinense is otherwise called Sakhalin buckwheat. It grows respectively in the south of Sakhalin, and is also found in the Kuril Islands and Japan.

It is a herbaceous plant, perennial, with creeping roots. The stems are hollow, straight, strong, up to 3 m, brown or green. The foliage is large, the leaf blade is about 20 cm wide and 30 cm long, broadly oval, on a short petiole. Small whitish-cream flowers form 20-centimeter paniculate inflorescences. Sakhalin knotweed blooms in July. The fruit is a dark brown triangular nut.

Sakhalin knotweed is grown for decorating and camouflaging outbuildings and forming thickets. At the same time, keep in mind that it is growing rapidly, its development must be restrained, since the Sakhalin giant is capable of capturing large territories. Usually it is enough to dig limiters to a depth of 30 cm.

Knotweed

The mountain meadows of the Himalayas became the homeland of Polygonum amplexicaule. This bushy perennial plant has straight, tall stems (up to 1.2 m), wide lanceolate leaves that turn yellow in autumn. The decoration of the bush is bright spikelets-inflorescences that appear in mid-July and turn red until the end of summer. The rhizome is powerful, grows horizontally, develops slowly, and the bush grows quite compactly.

When you plant candle-shaped knotweed, deepen the rhizome buds 8-10 cm from the surface of the ground to protect them from freezing. In the fall, insulate the bush by covering it with earth and covering it with lutrasil.

Spectacular varieties of this mountaineer are used in decoration:

• Album – the color of the inflorescences is white;
• High Society – crimson flowers;
• Roseum - accordingly has pink flowers;
• Jo and Guido’s form – can “boast” of large beautiful flowers of a scarlet hue;
• Inverleith is a dwarf plant with bright red inflorescences.

Virginia knotweed

Polygonum virginianum is a very unusual and beautiful perennial. It has multi-colored foliage, for which it is valued in decorative landscaping. The greenish-white flowers appear late in the summer and do not add any significance.

To form bright decorative foliage, it is recommended to plant in sunny places, allowing light partial shade. It tolerates drought well, but it is better to keep the soil moist.

To achieve the greatest effect, it is better to plant in large groups.

Different varieties differ in foliage color:

• Lance Corpora - leaves are yellowish-green with rich red-brown spots in the center;
• Painter's Palette - variegated leaves with black and red markings and white stripes. In late summer, airy stems with a large number of red beaded flowers appear, which adds to the showiness of the shrub.

Small-headed knotweed "Red Dragon"

The Red Dragon (Persicaria microcephala ‘Red Dragon’) originated in China. It is actively used in floriculture, as it is not aggressive, unlike its relatives, it grows slowly and does not form seeds.

The perennial plant measures 90 cm in height and width. Dark red shoots appear in early spring; heart-shaped, pointed, beautiful leaves of plum-red color with a metallic sheen bloom on them. The foliage is velvety and looks impressive on red stems. In summer it becomes greener, while retaining the red edge and tricolor silver-green-brown coloring. On hot nights, the color of the leaves is not so bright and saturated. The flowers that bloom in August-September are small, white, and have no decorative value.

Polygonum is undemanding to conditions and soils, and even grows on heavy clay. Although it prefers moist soils, it can adapt well to dry conditions.

In winter, it is advisable to cover in severe frosts.

In ornamental gardening, it is good to plant in a group with plants with silver foliage and yellow flowers.

The variety "Silver Dragon" has recently been grown, differing from the "Red Dragon" in having more silvery leaves with a red edge.

Japanese knotweed

Japanese knotweed (Polygonum cuspidatum Persicaria japonica), despite its name, came from East Asia. It is listed as a weed in Washington State (USA).

There are 2 common varieties:

• Variegata. In spring, this variety has leaves with shoots of a bright coral color, slowly changing to green with many white spots that merge into entire sectors, all this gives it a fantastic look. Sometimes you get plants with creamy white leaves.

For good development of the bush, constant foliar feeding is required, since there is not enough chlorophyll. The bushes are stable, compact, and do not need to be tied up. Loves partial shade and good soil moisture. Over the summer it grows up to 120 cm, in winter the shoots die off completely.

• Japanese knotweed compact. It is distinguished by bright purple petioles, stems and leaf veins. The leaves of a young plant are purple, then turn green, leaving a crimson edging along the edge, which disappears closer to autumn. The compact knotweed looks beautiful during the flowering period: light coral flowers are then replaced by bright crimson fruit boxes.

Sakhalin knotweed (video)

Aubert's Highlander

Polygonum aubertii is native to Western China. This is a shrubby vine, low and climbing. The trunk becomes slightly woody, the shoots even less.

The leaves are ovate, with wavy edges, initially reddish, later bright green.

Numerous racemes formed in the upper part of the shoots consist of greenish-pale, sometimes pink, small flowers. Forms a fluffy flowering continuous wall. The fruits are inconspicuous, whitish, small.

The plant is propagated by seeds. It grows well in fertile, moderately moist soils and can grow in partial shade. In winter, during frosts, the above-ground part dies off, then quickly grows back.

In ornamental gardening, it is highly valued for its dense, bright green foliage; it is planted to create low hedges, and the lower part of walls is planted with knotweed.

Baljuan knotweed

Polygonum baldschuanicum is also called Baldschuani buckwheat. He came from Central Asia. It is a vine with stems growing up to 15 m.

Young shoots are green, smooth, becoming gray with age.

The broadly oval leaves are pointed, spear-shaped or heart-shaped at the base, light green. The white flowers have a pinkish-lilac tint, they are small in size, collected in fairly large paniculate inflorescences. Sometimes it blooms twice: in May-June and September-October.

Knotweed flower is a perennial plant that can be herbaceous, liana-like, or shrubby. It is very easy to grow it at home; it does not have any requirements other than moist soil.

, belongs to the buckwheat family. In total, there are about 300 different species of knotweed in the world, 20 of which can be grown at home.

Depending on the species, the knotweed can be not only herbaceous, but also in the form of a subshrub and even a vine. All mountaineers have common similarities that unite them into one genus.

Description of the Highlander:

• The stems are prostrate, erect, the flowers are small, collected in a panicle or raceme inflorescence.
• The root system of the knotweed is well developed, the rhizome is either creeping or erect.
• The leaves are simple lanceolate-ovate, alternate in arrangement.
• The fruit of the knotweed flower is nutty and contains a large number of seeds.
• Flower colors can be very diverse, ranging from white to red and burgundy. The flowering period lasts from July to August.

In home floriculture, knotweed is very popular. In one composition they can. For example, the amphibious knotweed is used to decorate reservoirs; it is partially submerged in the water, and part of it looks out. Snake knotweed extends along the banks of water bodies.

The plant does not like acidic soils, grows well in shaded areas, and does not need moisture.

These are ideal conditions for the lazy gardener who does not have time to spend a lot of time on the plot, but who wants to decorate his garden. If there was little snow in winter, this may be negative for the mountaineer. After winter, the highlander will have a sloppy appearance, but very soon it will acquire its usual shape.

Liana-shaped mountaineers are used for vertical gardening. Herbaceous and semi-shrub species are planted in borders, rock gardens, etc. The alpine species can be used for solitary plantings.

In nature, knotweed is found in steppes and mountainous areas in the countries of the Northern Hemisphere, in temperate latitudes. The mountaineer endures winter without shelter, it is unpretentious, its properties resemble a weed, although it is very decorative.

Some types of knotweed are even used in folk medicine.

Gardeners most often use the following types of knotweed:

1. Alpine knotweed is a semi-shrub plant. The maximum height is 1.5 meters, the stems can divide and branch to unlimited sizes. The flowers are white, collected in a panicle. It is most popular among other types of knotweed because it actively develops and blooms profusely. The flowering period begins in July.
2. Knotweed is a related herbaceous plant that covers the ground. The maximum height is no more than 25 cm, the stems rise above the soil. The plant is evergreen, the leaves can be oval or oblong-lanceolate. The flowers are collected in an inflorescence of spikes, themselves very small, red-pink in color. It begins to bloom in May.
3. Sakhalin knotweed, or as it is also called Sakhalin sincha, is a perennial herbaceous plant. It is distinguished by straight, strong stems, can grow up to 3 meters in height, the leaves are green with a brown tint. The leaves are large, maximum length 30 cm, maximum width 20 cm. The flowers are small, pastel cream in color, collected in panicles 20 cm long. Begins to bloom in July.
4. Candleweed knotweed is a shrub plant, the stems grow 80-120 cm in height. The leaves are wide and begin to turn yellow by autumn. The flowers are collected in an inflorescence spikelet, begin to bloom in August, the flowering period lasts 2 months.

There is another classification according to which mountaineers are divided into species based on the following characteristics: tall or short.

Among the tall plants, gardeners successfully grow:

1. Eastern knotweed grows up to 2 meters in height, the inflorescences are large. Flowers can be white, red, pink, lilac. The leaves are pointed, after flowering large fruits and nuts remain. The flowering period lasts from August until the end of autumn. Loves moist soil and does not require special care.
2. Japanese knotweed grows in bush form. Its maximum height is 5 meters. The branches are hollow, reminiscent of bamboo stems, and the leaves are oval. The leaf is distinguished by the fact that it has light veins. Begins to bloom at the end of September. In one season, Japanese knotweed can create an entire hedge.

Low growing species:

1. Capitate knotweed is an annual plant that grows quickly and covers the ground. The maximum height is 15 cm, the leaves have red veins and spots. The inflorescences are in the form of cones, small, do not stand out particularly, the flowers are pink.
2. Viviparous knotweed is a perennial plant that grows up to 45 cm. The stems are straight, the leaves are dense and dark in color. Inflorescence spike, pink or red flowers, blooms throughout the season. The roots and flowers are eaten.
3. Knotweed Baljuan - grows in the form of a vine. The length of each shoot reaches 12 meters. The main use of this type of knotweed is vertical gardening. As the plant matures, the stems become woody. The flowers are small, pink in color. The leaves are dark green. The plant needs to be watered regularly; it loves moisture and cool air. The plant can withstand even the coldest winter; the vines freeze, but the roots are preserved and produce new shoots.

Each species is significantly different from the others. Membership in the genus can be determined by the typical inflorescences.

Knotweed is used in folk medicine for a wide range of diseases. The plant is used to treat eye diseases, gastrointestinal problems, and gout.

Main properties of knotweed:

• Bactericidal.
• Astringent.
• Wound healing.

The most healing of all species are alpine knotweed and snakeweed. Snake knotweed (crayfish, vipergrass, calf's tongue) has small flowers and a hollow stem. The flowers are collected in an inflorescence of spikelets and can be red, pink and white.

Snake knotweed can be grown in moist soil in a well-lit place. Under natural conditions it grows in meadows and mountainous areas. The maximum plant height is no more than 1 meter. To prepare medicinal recipes, all parts of the plant are used: roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds.

The raw materials are harvested in May, then it will have the most healing properties.

Highlander is a strong antiseptic, can stop bleeding and relieve inflammation:

• Snakeweed is indispensable for indigestion, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, gall bladder, problems with the throat, oral cavity, for healing boils and purulent wounds.
• Alpine knotweed (ram, wood sorrel, mountain knotweed) is a weed, although it is grown as a. The bushes are wide and branched, reaching 2 meters in diameter. The roots are large and penetrate deep underground. The flowers are white, collected in a panicle inflorescence. The flowering period begins in mid-summer; it can be found in meadows, steppes and even forests. It spreads quickly and does not require special care.
• Alpine knotweed is used in the treatment of diseases of the stomach and intestines, diarrhea, dysentery, and high blood pressure. The stems and leaves of plants contain large amounts of vitamin C, so they are used to treat colds and boost immunity.
• Knotweed (knotweed) grows in urban environments and is not afraid of dust and trampling. The herb is a diuretic and astringent and stops bleeding. Water infusions using knotweed are used for gastrointestinal diseases, diarrhea, bladder diseases, tuberculosis, whooping cough, etc.

Knotweed baths fight skin diseases, relieve pain from bruises, and heal wounds.

The fresh herb extract is used as a homeopathic remedy. Despite the fact that knotweed is an aggressive plant, it is very decorative and very useful.

Growing knotweed is not difficult. All types have similar features, however, many of them require special conditions. Knotweed adapts well to cool conditions; it will actively grow and develop in partial shade, in conditions of high air humidity. Knotweed blooms best on fertile, moist soils; the choice should be on fertilized sandy loam or loamy soils, slightly acidic or neutral reactions.

The knotweed itself is similar to a weed, so it is not afraid of pests.

It is resistant to the most common diseases. The related knotweed prefers alkaline or neutral soils. Snake knotweed prefers areas that are close to groundwater. But the splayed mountaineer, on the contrary, loves drier areas, that is, moderately humid ones.

Secrets of plant care:

• During the summer season, plants are provided with moderate watering. Some species require abundant watering if there is no groundwater nearby.
• Highlander is good with fertilizers.
• It can tolerate drought and slight waterlogging, but if it is constantly in damp soil, it will feel unwell.
• Young mountaineers have a hard time withstanding autumn or spring frosts. Therefore, young plants are covered until the onset of summer. If the leaves died during autumn frosts, the stems should be cut off immediately.
• In autumn, the leaves on some species begin to turn yellow; they remain in this state all winter. With the onset of spring, the brown leaves are cut off, and at the end of autumn the entire plant is cut off.
• The first year the young plant requires shelter for the winter. If Japanese, filamentous or small-headed knotweed are grown, then they spend the winter not in open ground, but in greenhouses.

There is one more property of the knotweed, for which some gardeners love it, and some refuse to grow it. We are talking about strong growth, even aggressiveness.

In one season, knotweed shoots can spread far beyond the bush, up to several meters.

Sometimes it's hard to keep the plant within its limits. It needs to be constantly pruned and weeded, or watch as the flower fills most of the garden. The main requirements relate to the choice of soil, lighting and moisture. Everyone can provide them.

There are 4 methods of propagating knotweed:

1. Seeds.
2. By cuttings.
3. By dividing the rhizomes.
4. Dividing the bush.

Not all species can reproduce using all methods. Each type has its own preferences. If the method of dividing the bush is used, then the right time for this is spring or autumn. Cuttings are carried out in spring or summer. Depending on the species, the knotweed is planted at a distance of 20-60 cm from each other. Highlander does not require annual replanting; it can develop in one place for up to 10 years.

Propagation by seeds is suitable for the following species: splayed, serpentine, oriental.

Seeds are stratified and sown in late spring, when the threat of frost has passed. You can sow directly in open ground, or in boxes. The seedlings are transplanted into the ground along with a lump of earth.

Stratification of seeds lasts 2 months, for this they must be at a temperature of +5. Seeds are planted in the soil to a depth of 1 cm.

Cuttings of knotweed:

• Cuttings begin to be prepared in late spring early summer. There must be at least 2 nodes in the process. The cuttings are treated with Kornevin or Heteroauxin.
• The bed is prepared in advance, which should already be warm by this time.
• Rooting will occur quickly if the soil temperature is several degrees warmer than the ambient temperature. Horse manure is placed at the base of the bed, fertile soil is placed on top, and sand mixed with peat in a 1 to 1 ratio is placed on top.
• The lower node of the cutting is deepened by 1-2 cm. Next, the cutting is covered with polyethylene or lutrasil. This is necessary to maintain the microclimate. For the winter, the plant is dug up and stored at a temperature of no more than 2.

To prevent the knotweed from spreading throughout the entire area, its growth is restrained using a cunning method: limiters are dug in around the plant to a depth of 30 cm.

Gardeners rarely propagate knotweed, because it can quickly spread throughout the area without outside help.

Before choosing a specific type of knotweed for home cultivation, you need to familiarize yourself with all its characteristics in order to ensure proper care. The garden area should be large in case the knotweed begins to grow.

More information can be found in the video.