Hey there,

I've got a couple of types of persicaria. One called 'Painter's Palette' and one called 'Red Dragon'. I also have a weedy variety that looks like a homely version of the other two. I just went out and took some pics for comparison purposes. In my experience, the persicarias are very easy to root, just add water. And they seem to spread really easily by seed as well. If you want to grow it, I'd suggest a flashier type -- and keep on top of deadheading, etc. They do look really nice in arrangements. Great color and interesting shape.

Painter's Palette


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Red Dragon


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"Natural" variety


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It is indeed an annual, but, if, you like it, don't deahead and you'll see it again next year. I did 'grow' one one year that was supposed to be fireweed.. to realize only later that it was what I call smartweed. A surprise seed in a packet. A pretty 'weed'.
Anne-Marie

I have the one you have and have had it for years. I have about a 4 foot stand of it on the property line. It is easy to weed so I wouldn't call it invasive. I love the little white beads it has as it's bloom.

Here is a link that might be useful: Our pond and gardens

I have both varities and enjoy them as foliage plants. They selfseed very readily!

I admired red dragon at a nursery - but it was NOT for sale. It had spread everywhere, was rampant. The nursery owner said it was impossible to get rid of and she would never sell such a nuisance. When I saw it absolutely everywhere I agreed I did not want that.

It seems to be serving as a detractor of Japanese beetles from my other flowers. They munched down a whole leaf of it between yesterday and today (but it doesn't appear they've touched anything else.)
If that's the case, it's worth keeping one or two around to keep those critters away from the things I really care about!

I've had three different varieties. The only one that still survives here is the more solid green variety.