Ranging from the jungle-forming canes of P. alpina or P. wallichii, to the flat-spreading mats of P. vacciniifolia or P. affinis. The larger ones more suitable for the wilder garden. The rest are very suitable for for the garden border, ideally in a reasonable soil. Those with larger leaves would prefer little more moisture. We grow an excellent range here at Beth's, most enjoying full sun or part shade. The flowers are individually small, white pink, red, but in long-lasting spikes and many of them, held above the foliage. Prime flowering period is summer through to autumn and very attractive to a range of insects. Foliage is deciduous or evergreen, (P. vacciniifolia) with some retaining clean foliage well into autumn (P. 'Arends Stolz'). The upright forms are generally self-supporting, or producing a leafy mound. Those which prefer more shade, we also list separately in the section 'Persicaria - For shade'.
Irrespective of the vagaries of scientific nomenclature and taxonomy, all Persicaria species, past and present are some of the most important genera to have in a wildlife garden (indeed, ANY garden). They produce nectar and pollen throughout their long flowering season, attracting honeybees, social wasps, butterflies and a host of other insects especially in the summer and early autumn. The leaves are relatively palatable also, and are eaten by the caterpillars of a number of generalist moths.
The genus Persicaria is under going revision, with some plants moved to the genera Bistorta and Koenigia.