Description
Talk about an identity crisis! The species form of this US native is known by a variety of botanical names, including Persicaria virginiana, Persicaria filiforme, Tovara virginiana, Tovara filiforme, Polygonum virginianum, and Polygonum filiforme. Plants with variegated foliage add even more complexity to the nomenclature: You may see them listed as Variegata Group, ‘Variegata’, or ‘Painter’s Palette’. And then there are the various common names, including jumpseed, Virginia knotweed, and painter’s palette. I’ll leave it up to you what you want to call it if you decide to try it.
Be aware that this plant can be considered an aggressive spreader in some growing conditions, so do some research before you buy these seeds. I find it to be well behaved in my southeastern Pennsylvania garden—indeed, I wish it would spread more—providing welcome color in shady areas with its ivory to white leaf streaks and splashes, sometimes also with red to maroon markings. (The amount and vibrancy of the variegation varies from leaf to leaf and plant to plant.) The upright stems, which reach about 18 inches tall, are tipped with slender wands of tiny, greenish white flowers that mature into bright red seedpods in fall, for a total height of about 2 feet. Partial to full shade. Perennial; Zones 4 to 10.
Collected in early October 2023. At least 10 seeds. Shipping to US addresses only.
Please read the germination information as well before ordering.
LINDA DOWNER (verified owner) –
Good Assortment and Unusual
Helen Breland (verified owner) –
I’m so sorry that you weren’t happy with these seeds, Helen. I have sent you a refund. It would be really helpful to know why you weren’t satisfied. Did the seeds not germinate, or were the resulting plants not what you expected? [Edit: I’m glad we were able to connect, Helen; apparently you didn’t get any germination. I don’t know if you tried giving the recommended chilling period since you purchased the seeds in late February. If you decide to try again, I’d recommend fall to midwinter sowing outdoors, so the seeds can get a natural chilling period.]
-Nan