Fallopia aubertii

The Climbing Knotweed or Fallopia aubertii is a vigorous and voluble climbing perennial. It is perfectly suited to naturally colonize large supports, such as hedges or embankments. Its deciduous foliage, with bronze reflections in spring, forms a thick green cloak that quickly vegetates walls and trunks. It showcases a very bright and abundant summer flowering. Long spikes dotted with multiple small white flowers cover this vine, much to the delight of insects.

This Chinese Knotweed or Aubert's Knotweed belongs to the Polygonaceae family. It is a rhizomatous perennial with a woody stump that develops long climbing or creeping voluble stems, depending on the attachment points they encounter along their path. They can thus launch themselves to assault rather significant supports and extend over lengths sometimes exceeding 10 m (33ft). This can be an asset to cover unsightly scenery, but its development should also be monitored to avoid being overrun. Severe pruning will help control its vigor. It appreciates sunny exposures but tolerates partial shade and thrives in light, poor, but rather moist soil. It also tolerates limestone soils.

In summer, long spikes form. They easily reach 20 cm (8in) and are dotted with multiple small immaculate flowers. They attract numerous pollinating insects and stand out clearly against the green foliage in the background, creating a beautiful contrast. The foliage is deciduous, bronze green at birth and then turns true green. The leaves, arranged alternately, are heart-shaped and measure from 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in).

The Climbing Knotweed is perfect for a natural garden that aims to shelter abundant wildlife. It generously feeds insects and provides a refuge for birds due to its volume. It grows quickly and withstands bad weather. It can therefore be used to create a solid privacy screen, but also offers a long flowering period with fresh shades, extended by decorative fruits. To complete this rustic scene, Foxgloves, grasses, and Centaureas will be planted in the foreground to bloom in spring and early summer.