Persicariaodorata
Vietnamese coriander
A spreading herbaceous perennial 45cm high, rooting at the nodes, with reddish-purplish stems, aromatic, lance-shaped leaves which are green with a dark purple-brown chevron, and spikes of tiny pink flowers in late summer which rarely appear, however, in temperate areas; the leaves are used in south-east Asian cooking, and have a pungent, coriander-like aroma when young, becoming more biting and hot as they age
Synonyms
Polygonumodoratum
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained,Poorly–drainedpH
Acid,Alkaline,NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Red | Brown Green Purple | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Red | Pink | Brown Green Purple | |
| Autumn | Purple Red | Brown Green | ||
| Winter | Purple |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing orSouth–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Persicaria can be annuals, herbaceous or evergreen perennials or sub-shrubs with simple leaves and small bell-shaped white or pink flowers in long-lasting spikes or panicles
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SE Asia, China to Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow outside in summer in rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil in full sun in a sheltered position, and in acontainer under glass the rest of the year
Propagation
Propagate by seed in autumn or spring; bydivision in autumn or spring; or bysemi-ripe cuttings in summer, which root easily in soil or water
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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