Persicaria dshawachischwilii

The Persicaria dshawachischwilii is a perennial knotweed native to Georgia, rarely cultivated, somewhat similar to the species Persicaria polymorpha and P. alpina, but smaller and slower-growing. This non-invasive plant forms a bushy clump adorned with long, narrow leaves, and its delicate cream-coloured flowering is both early and prolonged, from spring to summer. It thrives in a sunny to partially shaded flower bed, in moist but well-drained soil. A plant for collectors!

The Persicaria dshawachischwilii is a plant in the family of polygonaceae. It is probably a subspecies or a form collected in Georgia related to Koenigia alpina, now renamed Aconogonon alpina, a botanical species naturally present in a vast Eurasian zone. In any case, it is a beautiful plant highly resistant to cold. This deciduous perennial plant loses its above-ground vegetation in winter and regrows in spring. It slowly forms a clump of about 1m (3ft) in all directions, sometimes 1.20m (4ft) depending on the growing conditions. The stems bear numerous elongated and slender leaves, of a fairly light green. Flowering begins in May-June, more or less early depending on the climate, and continues until July. The plant produces numerous branched spikes composed of a multitude of small creamy-white flowers in the axil of the leaves, located at the end of the stems.

Like astrantias, knotweeds are very popular plants due to their good adaptation to cold and humid climates and their sleek appearance that suits both contemporary gardens and rustic and romantic flower beds. They create stunning autumn scenes when combined with grasses such as Miscanthus and Panicum. Thanks to its clump habit, Persicaria dshawachischwilii can be associated with many perennials or small bushes, ensuring it is given enough space. This knotweed enjoys both sun and partial shade. Asters, Japanese anemones, and inulas are good companions for persicarias in the garden or in bouquets, as they also flower until autumn. Dead nettles and bergenias, equally robust, allow for extended periods of flowering and play with the contrast of shapes and foliage.