A variety of types of knotweed flower, features of its home cultivation and propagation. Polygonum plant: varieties, planting and care Variable knotweed planting

Knotweed flower – perennial, can be herbaceous, liana-like, shrubby. It is very easy to grow it at home; it does not have any requirements other than moist soil.

, belongs to the buckwheat family. In total, there are about 300 different species of knotweed in the world, 20 of which can be grown at home.

Depending on the species, the knotweed can be not only herbaceous, but also in the form of a subshrub and even a vine. All mountaineers have common similarities that unite them into one genus.

Description of the Highlander:

• The stems are prostrate, erect, the flowers are small, collected in a panicle or raceme inflorescence.
• The root system of the knotweed is well developed, the rhizome is either creeping or erect.
• The leaves are simple lanceolate-ovate, alternate in arrangement.
• The fruit of the knotweed flower is nutty and contains a large number of seeds.
• Flower colors can be very diverse, ranging from white to red and burgundy. The flowering period lasts from July to August.

In home floriculture, knotweed is very popular. In one composition they can. For example, the amphibious knotweed is used to decorate reservoirs; it is partially submerged in the water, and part of it looks out. Snake knotweed extends along the banks of water bodies.

The plant does not like acidic soils, grows well in shaded areas, and does not need moisture.

These are ideal conditions for the lazy gardener who does not have time to spend a lot of time on the plot, but who wants to decorate his garden. If there was little snow in winter, this may be negative for the mountaineer. After winter, the highlander will have a sloppy appearance, but very soon it will acquire its usual shape.

Liana-shaped mountaineers are used for vertical gardening. Herbaceous and semi-shrub species are planted in borders, rock gardens, etc. The alpine species can be used for solitaire plantings.

In nature, knotweed is found in steppes and mountainous areas in the countries of the Northern Hemisphere, in temperate latitudes. The mountaineer endures winter without shelter, it is unpretentious, its properties resemble a weed, although it is very decorative.

Some types of knotweed are even used in folk medicine.

Gardeners most often use the following types of knotweed:

1. Alpine knotweed is a semi-shrub plant. The maximum height is 1.5 meters, the stems can divide and branch to unlimited sizes. The flowers are white, collected in a panicle. It is most popular among other types of knotweed because it actively develops and blooms profusely. The flowering period begins in July.
2. Knotweed is a related herbaceous plant that covers the ground. The maximum height is no more than 25 cm, the stems rise above the soil. The plant is evergreen, the leaves can be oval or oblong-lanceolate. The flowers are collected in an inflorescence of spikes, themselves very small, red-pink in color. It begins to bloom in May.
3. Sakhalin knotweed, or as it is also called Sakhalin sincha, is a perennial herbaceous plant. It is distinguished by straight, strong stems, can grow up to 3 meters in height, the leaves are green with a brown tint. The leaves are large, maximum length 30 cm, maximum width 20 cm. The flowers are small, pastel cream in color, collected in panicles 20 cm long. Begins to bloom in July.
4. Candleweed knotweed is a shrub plant, the stems grow 80-120 cm in height. The leaves are wide and begin to turn yellow by autumn. The flowers are collected in an inflorescence spikelet, begin to bloom in August, the flowering period lasts 2 months.

There is another classification according to which mountaineers are divided into species based on the following characteristics: tall or short.

Among the tall plants, gardeners successfully grow:

1. Eastern knotweed grows up to 2 meters in height, the inflorescences are large. Flowers can be white, red, pink, lilac. The leaves are pointed, after flowering large fruits and nuts remain. The flowering period lasts from August to the end of autumn. Loves moist soil and does not require special care.
2. Japanese knotweed grows in bush form. Its maximum height is 5 meters. The branches are hollow, reminiscent of bamboo stems, and the leaves are oval. The leaf is distinguished by the fact that it has light veins. Begins to bloom at the end of September. In one season, Japanese knotweed can create an entire hedge.

Low growing species:

1. Capitate knotweed is an annual plant that grows quickly and covers the ground. The maximum height is 15 cm, the leaves have red veins and spots. The inflorescences are in the form of cones, small, do not stand out particularly, the flowers are pink.
2. Viviparous knotweed is a perennial plant that grows up to 45 cm. The stems are straight, the leaves are dense and dark in color. Inflorescence spike, pink or red flowers, blooms throughout the season. The roots and flowers are eaten.
3. Knotweed Baljuan - grows in the form of a vine. The length of each shoot reaches 12 meters. The main use of this type of knotweed is vertical gardening. As the plant matures, the stems become woody. The flowers are small, pink in color. The leaves are dark green. The plant needs to be watered regularly; it loves moisture and cool air. The plant can withstand even the coldest winter; the vines freeze, but the roots are preserved and produce new shoots.

Each species is significantly different from the others. Membership in the genus can be determined by the typical inflorescences.

Knotweed is used in folk medicine for a wide range of diseases. The plant is used to treat eye diseases, gastrointestinal problems, and gout.

Main properties of knotweed:

• Bactericidal.
• Astringent.
• Wound healing.

The most healing of all species are alpine knotweed and snakeweed. Snake knotweed (crayfish, vipergrass, calf's tongue) has small flowers and a hollow stem. The flowers are collected in an inflorescence of spikelets and can be red, pink and white.

You can grow snake knotweed in moist soil in a well-lit place. Under natural conditions it grows in meadows and mountainous areas. The maximum plant height is no more than 1 meter. All parts of the plant are used to prepare medicinal recipes: roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds.

The raw materials are harvested in May, then it will have the most healing properties.

Highlander is a strong antiseptic, can stop bleeding and relieve inflammation:

• Snakeweed is indispensable for indigestion, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, gall bladder, problems with the throat, oral cavity, for healing boils and purulent wounds.
• Alpine knotweed (ram, wood sorrel, mountain knotweed) is a weed, although it is grown as a. The bushes are wide and branched, reaching 2 meters in diameter. The roots are large and penetrate deep underground. The flowers are white, collected in a panicle inflorescence. The flowering period begins in mid-summer; it can be found in meadows, steppes and even forests. It spreads quickly and does not require special care.
• Alpine knotweed is used in the treatment of diseases of the stomach and intestines, diarrhea, dysentery, and high blood pressure. The stems and leaves of plants contain large amounts of vitamin C, so they are used to treat colds and boost immunity.
• Knotweed (knotweed) grows in urban environments and is not afraid of dust and trampling. The herb is a diuretic and astringent and stops bleeding. Water infusions using knotweed are used for gastrointestinal diseases, diarrhea, bladder diseases, tuberculosis, whooping cough, etc.

Knotweed baths fight skin diseases, relieve pain from bruises, and heal wounds.

The fresh herb extract is used as a homeopathic remedy. Despite the fact that knotweed is an aggressive plant, it is very decorative and very useful.

Growing knotweed is not difficult. All types have similar features, however, many of them require special conditions. Knotweed adapts well to cool conditions; it will actively grow and develop in partial shade, in conditions of high air humidity. Knotweed blooms best on fertile, moist soils; the choice should be on fertilized sandy loam or loamy soils, slightly acidic or neutral reactions.

The knotweed itself is similar to a weed, so pests are not afraid of it.

It is resistant to the most common diseases. The related knotweed prefers alkaline or neutral soils. Snake knotweed prefers areas that are close to groundwater. But the splayed mountaineer, on the contrary, loves drier areas, that is, moderately humid ones.

Secrets of plant care:

• During the summer season, plants are provided with moderate watering. Some species require abundant watering if there is no groundwater nearby.
• Highlander is good with fertilizers.
• It can tolerate drought and slight waterlogging, but if it is constantly in damp soil, it will feel unwell.
• Young mountaineers have a hard time withstanding autumn or spring frosts. Therefore, young plants are covered until the onset of summer. If the leaves died during autumn frosts, the stems should be cut off immediately.
• In autumn, the leaves on some species begin to turn yellow; they remain in this state all winter. With the onset of spring, the brown leaves are cut off, and at the end of autumn the entire plant is cut off.
• The first year the young plant requires shelter for the winter. If Japanese, filamentous or small-headed knotweed are grown, then they spend the winter not in open ground, but in greenhouses.

There is one more property of the knotweed, for which some gardeners love it, and some refuse to grow it. We are talking about strong growth, even aggressiveness.

In one season, knotweed shoots can spread far beyond the bush, up to several meters.

Sometimes it's hard to keep the plant within its limits. It needs to be constantly pruned and weeded, or watch as the flower fills most of the garden. The main requirements relate to the choice of soil, lighting and moisture. Everyone can provide them.

There are 4 methods of propagating knotweed:

1. Seeds.
2. Cuttings.
3. By dividing the rhizomes.
4. Dividing the bush.

Not all species can reproduce using all methods. Each type has its own preferences. If the method of dividing the bush is used, then the right time for this is spring or autumn. Cuttings are carried out in spring or summer. Depending on the species, the knotweed is planted at a distance of 20-60 cm from each other. Highlander does not require annual replanting; it can develop in one place for up to 10 years.

Propagation by seeds is suitable for the following species: splayed, serpentine, oriental.

Seeds are stratified and sown in late spring, when the threat of frost has passed. You can sow directly in open ground, or in boxes. The seedlings are transplanted into the ground along with a lump of earth.

Stratification of seeds lasts 2 months, for this they must be at a temperature of +5. Seeds are planted in the soil to a depth of 1 cm.

Cuttings of knotweed:

• Cuttings begin to be prepared in late spring early summer. There must be at least 2 nodes in the process. The cuttings are treated with Kornevin or Heteroauxin.
• The bed is prepared in advance, which should already be warm by this moment.
• Rooting will occur quickly if the soil temperature is several degrees warmer than the ambient temperature. Horse manure is placed at the base of the bed, fertile soil is placed on top, and sand mixed with peat in a 1 to 1 ratio is placed on top.
• The lower node of the cutting is deepened by 1-2 cm. Next, the cutting is covered with polyethylene or lutrasil. This is necessary to maintain the microclimate. For the winter, the plant is dug up and stored at a temperature of no more than 2.

To prevent the knotweed from spreading throughout the entire area, its growth is restrained using a cunning method: limiters are dug in around the plant to a depth of 30 cm.

Gardeners rarely propagate knotweed, because it can quickly spread throughout the area without outside help.

Before choosing a specific type of knotweed for home cultivation, you need to familiarize yourself with all its characteristics in order to ensure proper care. The garden area should be large in case the knotweed begins to grow.

More information can be found in the video.

An unpretentious and spectacular plant is the Sakhalin knotweed, which belongs to the genus Polygonum and has been known in cultivation for a long time, since the mid-19th century. But many people are still not familiar with this giant herbaceous perennial. Its distinctive feature, which led to its introduction into culture, is its rapid growth, which is why it was nicknamed Siberian bamboo. In a short time, the knotweed can reach a height of three meters and form dense thickets, behind which you can hide an unsightly building or a neighbor’s fence.

Figure 1. Sakhalin knotweed is a noble and unpretentious plant that can decorate any area.

The leaves of this plant are spectacular: dark green on top and pubescent below, oval in shape with a sharp tip, they reach a length of 30 cm. And by the end of summer, clusters of creamy-white flowers with a faint honey aroma appear on the tops of the shoots. Rice. 1. In winter, bare geniculate stems up to 3 cm thick protrude from the snow, resembling real bamboo.

How to care for the Sakhalin knotweed?

A newcomer from the south of Sakhalin and the Japanese Islands, the mountaineer, however, does not like extreme heat. Its natural habitats are wet ravines and stream beds. Therefore, when choosing a place to plant Siberian bamboo, one must take into account its tendency to high soil and air humidity. A suitable place in the garden for giant grass can be the bank of a pond, the vicinity of a stream passing through the area, or a damp lowland.

With a lack of sunlight, the leaves of the Sakhalin knotweed will be small.

The lighting requirements of the Sakhalin knotweed are quite moderate: it can grow in bright sunlight, in partial shade, and even on the north side of a building. With a lack of light, its leaves will be slightly smaller and the inflorescences will not be as lush. And he is unlikely to reach his normal size. But in a place with sufficient or excess lighting, the giant will look great.

This plant is very demanding of soil fertility. In places where Sakhalin knotweed grows naturally, the soil is saturated with the remains of rotted plant parts and nutrients. The composition of these soils is close to the leaf soil of Russian broad-leaved forests. To achieve the full flowering of the knotweed, the plant must be fed with herbal compost, rotted manure, and watered abundantly. Planted near a compost heap, Siberian bamboo usually feels great and gives neighbors reason to wonder what kind of strange plant has appeared on the site.

For the winter, the mountaineer does not require shelter and tolerates low temperatures well even in the Siberian region.

Early growing green shoots may freeze during frosts. But even the completely dead above-ground part grows back with the onset of warm days.

Reproduction of Sakhalin buckwheat

Sakhalin knotweed easily tolerates low temperatures and does not require shelter in winter.

Knotweed seeds are similar to unhulled buckwheat. This is not surprising, because they are relatives. The seeds are sown in March or early April in loose, fertile soil. After about 2 weeks, sprouts will appear. There is no need to pick up knotweed seedlings, so it is best to immediately sow large seeds at a distance of 10 cm from each other or 1-2 pieces in peat pots.

During the growth of seedlings, it must be fed 2-3 times with a complex fertilizer such as “Kemira” or another, diluting it in water according to the instructions. Planting of seedlings can be done only after the threat of return frosts has passed, around the beginning of June. After this, plant care consists of timely watering and fertilizing 1-2 times per season with complex fertilizers or organic matter.

Due to the fact that Sakhalin knotweed blooms late, in most regions of Russia its seeds do not have time to fully ripen. Therefore, propagation is most often carried out vegetatively: by dividing the bush or by root suckers. With sufficient moisture, cuttings take root very quickly and during the first year of growth they can produce a significant amount of green mass. This feature makes the knotweed a convenient plant for creating curtains and hedges near transparent fences.

When planting knotweed on a site, you must remember that it is an aggressive weed that can penetrate its roots to a depth of 2 meters. That's why decorative planting must be fenced with limiters dug to the maximum possible depth. This can be sheet slate, plastic or similar materials that are resistant to destruction and corrosion.

Sakhalin knotweed leaves can be used as a pie filling.

The question is often asked about how to deal with Sakhalin knotweed if it gets out of control.

The population's complaints boil down to the fact that it is almost impossible to dig up the rhizomes of Siberian bamboo and the vine grows again in the area that has already been dug up. This is true.

The control method in the form of digging up the planting is ineffective for a simple reason: every small piece of rhizome that breaks off during weed control produces a new shoot. And loose soil contributes to its successful growth.

The correct way to destroy unnecessary growth is to mow or cut off the entire above-ground part of the plant as it grows, every 10=14 days. This inhibits the knotweed and does not allow it to accumulate enough nutrients in the rhizomes for a successful winter.

Use of knotweed for economic purposes

In addition to being exceptionally decorative, knotweed is considered a valuable vegetable plant. The population of Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands eat young shoots and leaves of the plant. They have a pleasant sour taste and are very juicy. They can be used as a component of salads, for making soups or pie filling. The special cultural value of Sakhalin knotweed lies in the very early growth of young greenery. Comparable in taste and vitamin content to rhubarb and sorrel, Sakhalin knotweed is quite capable of replacing them when these plants are still dormant.

The large soft leaves of the plant are readily eaten by livestock, rabbits and birds. Just don’t overuse this vitamin food, as the high content of oxalic acid can adversely affect the kidney function of rabbits, goats and breeding cattle.

The green mass mowed during weed control can be fed to animals along with the stems. In the absence of livestock and poultry on the farm, immature soft stems with leaves make good compost. It is prepared in the usual way, but when using ready-made fertilizer, it may be necessary to add chalk or fluff lime to reduce its acidity. Mature stems from last year, which have to be cut in the spring, can serve as support for peas or similar plants. These hollow stems can be successfully used as the base for a warm bed. The porous layer will ensure a good flow of oxygen inside it.

Siberian bamboo, impressive in its power, has many faces. It can be a valuable addition to the diet of people and animals, an ornamental plant, and a nasty weed, like its relative, the alpine knotweed. Everything depends only on the attitude of the owner of the site to the beautiful creation of Far Eastern nature.

The knotweed plant is quite popular among experienced gardeners. Knotweed is a special plant that has a huge number of subspecies that differ significantly from one another. Knotweed can be found in many parts of the world; there are more than 250 of its subspecies. 20 are used in our country, and they amaze the eye with their decorativeness.

Highbush knotweed is usually planted to green the banks near mini-lakes, ponds, to create beautiful fences and to make silage for livestock. The most relevant of the highest are the following types:

1. 1 Eastern. The annual plant can grow up to 2 m in height and has voluminous paniculate inflorescences. The flowers are bright red, light pink, soft purple or snow-white. The leaves are green, oval-shaped, sharp at the ends. When the plant fades, you can see black nuts. This type of knotweed blooms in the last month of summer until late autumn. It is easy to care for; it loves rich and moist soil. It grows both in forests and steppes, and in home gardens. You can often see it in forest belts, steppe areas and meadows. As a plant for decoration, knotweed is grown in China and Primorye.
2. 2 Sakhalin. A tall perennial with a creeping root system. It grows up to 5 m in height, the branches are not crooked and have good strength. The foliage has an oval shape, length 30 cm, width 25 cm. The flowers are snow-white, the inflorescence is in the form of a panicle. Flowering time is up to 90 days from mid-July. The plant tolerates cold well. Found in Russia and Japan. This subspecies descends slopes and grows in mountainous areas. Gardeners plant it to decorate ancient buildings, near water, to create a fence. Traditional healers add fresh leaves to medicinal dishes. Knotweed is also used as food for cattle. This type of plant grows very quickly, so many gardeners prefer not to grow it.
3. 3 Japanese. A tall shrub grows up to 5 m in height. The branches are hollow, similar to bamboo. The leaves are green, medium-sized, oval-shaped with frequent veins. The flowers are small, soft cream, paniculate inflorescences. The plant blooms in early autumn. This is the fastest growing species, making it possible to quickly create a magnificent fence that will protect the territory of the dacha from prying eyes. Excellent resistance to pruning. The branches can be used to make baskets and other crafts. The plant grows very actively, it is extremely difficult to remove it.

Low-growing species are used to decorate the dacha area, create decorative compositions and as living fences. The most popular of the low-growing plants are Capitate and Related mountaineers.

The first one is not a perennial, it grows very quickly. Reaches a height of up to 150 mm, branches well. The foliage is medium-sized, green with bright red veins and spots. The inflorescences are neat, resemble mini-cones, and consist of whitish flowers with a small inclusion of pink.

The second species was brought from the Himalayas. Grows up to 250 mm. The foliage is elongated and green. The flowers have the appearance of compacted spikelets. The color can be soft pink or deep red. The inflorescences are approximately 120 mm long. This species blooms from early spring until the end of summer. When the flowers fade, the foliage turns red. It grows well in the shade, but can successfully spread in illuminated areas. You can water infrequently, as the plant survives drought normally. If water stagnates, the root system may rot. It has excellent frost resistance, but can freeze if there is no snow mass. The plant is very beautiful, used to decorate summer cottages, and withstands being in the vicinity of perennials. It grows beautifully and decorates the area.

Baljuana bindweed

Baljuan knotweed is a perennial liana that reaches a height of up to 15 m. It is used for landscaping vertical structures on the territory. The flowers of this species of knotweed are small, snow-white, and turn pink when the temperature drops. The leaves are dark green. The stems of an older vine become stiffer.

The Baljuan species prefers cool places. The plant must be watered in a timely manner. If planted in direct sun, the knotweed will stop growing and the foliage will curl and become small.

To give the plant a decorative appearance, the knotweed liana is pruned and shaped. Molding also gives impetus to the appearance of flower stalks. This type of knotweed survives frosts well down to 23 °C. When the vines freeze, the root system quickly recovers, and stable growth is observed in the spring.

Baljuan knotweed grows actively and quite quickly, so it will add beauty to fences, buildings and vertical surfaces.

Use in alternative medicine

In alternative medicine, knotweed is used to treat various pathologies. They treat eyes, gout, and eliminate problems with the gastrointestinal tract. It has a healing, astringent and antimicrobial effect. And this is not all the useful qualities of the mountaineer.

For therapeutic purposes, alpine or snake knotweed is usually used. These perennials have a pipe-like stem and medium-sized flowers. The flowers can be snow-white, soft pinkish, bright crimson, and they are collected in a spike-inflorescence.

Highlander, which was collected in May, will bring maximum benefit. The plant has a strong bactericidal effect, effectively stops the flow of blood and eliminates the inflammatory process. It is used for the treatment of diarrhea, gastrointestinal pathologies, problems with the gallbladder, pathologies of the throat, oral cavity, to eliminate purulent wounds and serious ulcers.

Alpine knotweed is also called taran, or sorrel. The plant resembles a beautiful weed. Dense bushes reach a height of 2 m. The stems of knotweed are branched, especially from above. The root system is strong and creeping. The foliage is green, oblong in shape. At the ends of the branches there are panicles of neat snow-white flowers. This type of plant blooms in mid-summer. In the wild it grows in forest belts, steppe areas and meadows. It does not require special care and grows actively. They are planted on the site in order to decorate old buildings or grow a spectacular fence.

This type of plant is successfully used in unconventional practice for the treatment of diarrhea and high blood pressure. The plant contains a large amount of vitamin C and is used for preventive purposes for the treatment of respiratory diseases.

The abundance of varieties makes the knotweed a unique plant. There are subspecies that have healing qualities, and there are those that are suitable only for decoration, there are valuable plants for livestock feed, and there are also pest weeds that are dangerous to plant in suburban areas.

To avoid getting an undesirable result after planting, when purchasing a plant, you need to become thoroughly familiar with its characteristics.

Variable and viviparous

Variable knotweed grows up to 200 mm in length and has a very branched stem at the top. At the top of the plant there are voluminous panicle inflorescences, which consist of small snow-white flowers, they resemble an air cloud. Blooms in July, blooms until the end of the season.

Variable knotweed is undemanding in care, tolerates winter excellently and grows in any soil. Brought to Russia from eastern Asian countries, so it feels excellent. The plant reaches a height of 2 m and, unlike the Sakhalin knotweed, is completely covered with elongated leaves, which makes the plant look voluminous and is perfect for creating a beautiful fence. The stems are straight, the roots are very strong. The flowers smell spicy, and after they bloom, decorative fluffy inflorescences remain in the form of panicles.

The viviparous knotweed is neat, differs from its tall “relatives” in that it is up to 0.5 m long. Introduced from the European and Asian continents, where this species grows in swamps and forest belts, that is, everywhere. The straight, stiff, gnarled stems are covered in tough green foliage. A huge number of stems have racemose-spikelet refined inflorescences between the nodes, the length of which is up to 150 mm, and they consist of small pink-crimson flowers. They are very juicy and look incredibly beautiful.

The plant, like all mountaineers, blooms for quite a long time, throughout the summer season, while the panicle-inflorescences do not lose their spikelet shape and aesthetic appearance. In garden plots, such a long-flowering plant looks great, especially when all the vegetation has already faded.

The viviparous knotweed loves moisture and saturated soil. It should be planted in a semi-shady place, then the flowers will be very beautiful and bright. It is better to plant it near the water or on an alpine hill; this will add grace and charm to the area.

Aubert's Mountain Loach

There are a great many subspecies of mountaineer. Knotweed bindweed is very similar to vines, reaching lengths of up to 15 m, but only under certain conditions. This variety of highlander does not require scrupulous care and therefore feels great both in the sun and in shady areas. The radical difference is that under the sun's rays it blooms thicker and more beautiful.

Collateral good growth and proper growth of bindweed is a sufficient amount of nutrients and moisture. Aubert's knotweed does not tolerate drought; it must be watered systematically. During hot periods and when the soil is poor, this type of knotweed will be attacked by aphids, so the plant must be watered systematically.

Don't forget about mulch. Like all bindweeds, the knotweed liana requires a support on which it will climb - it is necessary to prepare a reliable support, since an adult plant is not easy.

The liana propagates by seeds and cuttings. In summer, knotweed propagates by treetops, and at sub-zero temperatures by lignified cuttings. They can reach 30 cm in length. They must be planted in prepared soil.

Before planting, the seeds should be stratified: kept in a cold place for 60 days, it is better to put them in the freezer. Further, everything will depend on the sowing period: in the spring, you need to sow in beds, and in the autumn, plant seedlings in boxes. The seeds need to be deepened by 10 mm.

To decorate a suburban area, only 2 main types of knotweed are used: Aubert and Baljuan. Baljuan was described above. Auberta is a low-growing bush-shaped species. Shoots can grow up to half a meter. Auberta blooms from mid-summer to October. White flowers are located on top and look like neat buds collected in clusters. Fresh foliage has a soft reddish tint and turns completely green after a while. In winter, the plant may not survive; the loach liana will freeze in severe frosts, but when warm days come, the Highlander will quickly come to life.

Highlander (lat. Polygonum) or buckwheat is a genus of herbaceous wildly growing and abundantly flowering plants of the buckwheat family (lat. Polygonaceae). Due to the peculiarity of the plant's gnarled stems, the genus name in Latin is composed of Greek words meaning "many" and "knee".

Description

Representatives of the genus are extremely diverse in appearance and habitat. These are predominantly annual and perennial herbaceous plants, but you can also find vines, subshrubs, aquatic and amphibious species. There are few places on Earth where you won’t find buckwheat; more often it grows in temperate climates.

Himalayan knotweed

The rhizome of the plant is often creeping; there are also species with a taproot system. The stems are geniculate, grow straight or spread along the ground, sometimes they curl. The leaves are numerous, grow alternately, simple, on long petioles, small and larger, sometimes decorative and pubescent.

The flowers are small, in large numbers, located on the tops of the branches, often collected in inflorescences in the form of a brush, dense spikelet or panicle, white, pink, red.

Plant structure using the example of snakeweed

The fruits are dark matte small nuts, flattened or triangular. Flowering is abundant and quite long from May until frost.

Popular types

The genus includes more than 200 species, sometimes strikingly different from each other. Many have gained popularity in landscaping gardens around the world, especially on the European continent. Flower growers noticed the knotweed back in the mid-17th century, and since then the plant began to constantly appear in gardens, front gardens and flower beds.

G. related(P. affine) is a fairly common decorative species. Forms a dense turf about 25 cm high. The foliage is evergreen, usually collected in basal rosettes, has an oblong lanceolate shape and a pointed tip. The flowers are collected in spikes up to 8 cm long, the color can be various shades of pink. The inflorescences are quite attractive even after flowering, acquiring a deep crimson color.

Campanula flowers

G. double twisted(p. Bistorta) reaches 50-60 cm during the flowering period. The stems are straight and smooth. The leaves are up to 20 cm long, usually collected in basal rosettes, oblong-lanceolate in shape with pointed tips. Flowers are in cylindrical spikes up to 6 cm long, the color is light or pale pink. Used in medicine, a good honey plant.

G. amphibian(P. amphibium) is an excellent plant for beautifying the shores and shallow waters of ornamental reservoirs; there are aquatic and terrestrial varieties. The aquatic form can grow at a depth of up to 15 cm, has long floating stems, narrow leaves up to 10 cm long and soft pink spikelet flowers up to 5 cm, rising above the water surface. The terrestrial variety has straight, densely leafy stems up to 50 cm long, lanceolate leaves with a pointed tip and also spikelet inflorescences.

Highlander in the landscape

G. alpine(P. alpinum) forms a large branched shrub up to 100 cm tall. The stems are branched and densely leafy. The leaves are long (up to 14 cm), oblong-lanceolate, pointed at the end. The flowers are small, pure white or light yellow in color, collected in loose panicle inflorescences. Used in cooking.

G. stem-encompassing(P. amplexicaule) forms dense turf up to 90 cm high. The foliage is up to 25 cm long, usually collected in rosettes at the roots, has an oblong lanceolate shape and a pointed tip. The flowers are purple, sometimes pinkish and pure white. They are collected in long ears (up to 10 cm) at the tops of the shoots.

Oriental knotweed ‘Kiss Me Over The Garden Gate’

G. Oberta(P. aubertii) and G. baldschuanicum (P. baldschuanicum) are lush, branched vines that are capable of climbing supports up to 15 m high. At the root, the stems become lignified, then there are numerous densely leafed stems. Leaves up to 10 cm, pointed ovoid. The flowers are white, numerous, collected in loose drooping panicle-shaped inflorescences.

G. bellflower(P. campanulatum) forms a dense turf up to 90 cm in height during the growing season. It is distinguished by unusually beautiful pale pink flowers, shaped like bells. Several dozen of them are collected in loose panicle-shaped inflorescences.

G. capitate(P. capitatum) forms ampelous turfs 10-15 cm high and up to 30 cm in diameter. The pink flowers are very small, collected in dense spherical inflorescences, which look very interesting on long thin stalks

Polygonum capitate flowers

G. eastern(P. orientale) and G. variable (P. polymorpha) form erect shrubs up to 2 m tall. The rich purple inflorescences of the oriental knotweed have a pendulous, spike-like shape, while the inflorescences of the variable knotweed are multi-stage panicles of white flowers.

G. small-headed‘Red Dragon’ is popular among gardeners due to the extraordinary beauty of its leaves. The pointed, heart-shaped leaves have a rich wine color with a beautiful silver edging in the middle.

Photo gallery of species

Growing and care

To grow knotweed, you need sufficient lighting. It also grows in partial shade, but the leaves may partially lose their decorative effect. The plant loves soil that is fertile, light and loose, slightly acidic, permeable, sometimes waterlogged, but without stagnant moisture. The Highlander is distinguished by its unpretentiousness and endurance, and can even be aggressive.

Mature knotweed bush

Plants are mostly moisture-loving, so they need regular sufficient watering and periodic feeding, especially during the flowering period. To avoid excessive growth, they are shortened, unnecessary shoots are trimmed, and shoots are dug out. In early spring, old unattractive foliage is removed, and in late autumn, it is cut off.

Knotweed is quite frost-resistant without the use of protective measures. During severe winters it may be partially damaged, but recovers very quickly.

Buckwheat has good disease resistance and is little affected by pests.

Highlander variety ‘Superbum’ in a flowerbed

Reproduction

Knotweed develops very quickly and increases in size; it can be successfully propagated in various ways. The more popular method of propagation is by dividing the bush; cuttings and seed methods are also used.

Appearance of the seed

In early spring or autumn, an adult plant is carefully divided into parts and, with a small lump of earth, transferred to new prepared places, constantly moistening the soil for quick rooting.

Sowing is done in open ground with the onset of warmth (late spring) or seedlings are grown from February-March. To increase germination, seeds are stratified using a cold method.

Highlander entwining an arch

Use for decorating garden plots and on the farm

The knotweed produces a lot of bright greenery, grows well, covering unattractive places, pleases for a long time with a variety of flowers, even after flowering has ended, the spikelets and perianths often retain their decorative appearance. Plants are successfully used to decorate the coastal zone; they are indispensable for giving a beautiful look to fences, buildings and pillars; they are used on lawns, flower beds, rock gardens, and mixborders.

Some species are extremely popular as medicinal plants, and are also grown to produce the well-known and beloved buckwheat.

The knotweed plant has a varied appearance: it is presented in the form of grass or vines. Lives on the side of streets, in swampy, mountainous places. It is used in gardens and as a hedge. This unpretentious and hardy perennial retains its decorative appearance throughout the season, complements group plantings favorably, and works as a tapeworm. Its diversity allows the plant to be used in small areas and large areas to camouflage walls, outbuildings, and decorate gazebos. In the wild, mountaineers are found in the Far East, China, the Himalayas, Japan, Nepal, and some varieties live almost all over the globe.

Wild species

Most of the mountaineers that decorate gardens and summer cottages grow in the wild. Some cover the ground with a dense creeping flooring, others form thickets up to 2 meters high, and others climb tree trunks and mountain slopes with vines. The description of the 2 most common species growing throughout the Earth is as follows.

Knotweed is known as a weed called knotweed. In spring, numerous grass shoots cover the entire plot of land, growing, it occupies large areas, drowning out other crops. Mature knotweed has tough, creeping stems that are difficult to pull out of the ground. The weed is extremely aggressive, grows in any weather, is not afraid of heat, excess moisture, frost, and quickly recovers from damage.

Knotweed is not found only in regions with permafrost; the rest of the planet is covered with this plant. It lives in landfills, pastures, wastelands, forest clearings, slopes of ravines, vegetable gardens, estates, and dachas. If he has settled on the site, it takes a lot of effort to get rid of him.

Despite the harmfulness of this weed, people have been using it for a long time. healing properties for the treatment of various diseases, and young leaves and shoots are added to spring soups and salads.

Another type of knotweed that grows as a weed near natural and artificial reservoirs, in wet meadows, vegetable gardens, fields, and orchards is kidney pepper (water pepper). A herbaceous crop with shoots reaching 1 m in height, from June to August it blooms with spike-shaped pink or white buds collected in brushes that have no decorative value.

Polygonum is a medicinal plant, used to treat hemorrhoids, constipation, as a hemostatic and antibacterial agent. It has a rich chemical composition: organic acids, tannins, essential oil, carbohydrates, pectins, flavonoids. During flowering, from mid-summer until frost, bees collect nectar from knotweed, which produces high-quality honey of light brown or dark amber color.

Cultivated varieties

Some species of mountaineers are so beautiful that they have become domesticated. Dutch breeders, using the plant’s ability to modify, developed new varieties that retained the hardiness of the wild ancestor and acquired decorative qualities. All varieties live in open ground, only some specimens are suitable for indoor breeding.

In garden culture, mountaineers are also known under other names:

• bistorta;
• fallopia;
• buckwheat;
• persicaria;
• Rhinotrium.

Many bloom with racemose buds, white or pink, flowering lasts about 1.5-2 months. Some varieties have decorative foliage. The small-headed knotweed has a distinct plum-colored pattern on the velvety chocolate leaf plate, repeating the shape of the leaf. Some varieties of snakeweed, which prefer moist soil near a pond, are distinguished by large (up to 15 cm) pink-purple inflorescences.

The plants are so hardy that they require virtually no care and are not susceptible to attack by pests or diseases. To fully develop and maintain their decorative appearance, they need fertile, moist soil, sufficient space for growth, and direct sun. They overwinter in open ground; recently planted specimens can be covered in severe frosts.

Instructions for planting and care are as follows. Reproduction is carried out by dividing the rhizome, root layering, and seed propagation is suitable for certain varieties. On dry, infertile soils, the knotweed will not die, but will become untidy and will develop poorly. This culture, with the exception of some varieties, requires a large space for reproduction. If it is necessary to restrain growth, limiters are dug next to the plantings to prevent root shoots from spreading.

When propagated by seed, the material is stratified for 1-2 months or sown in late autumn. The sprouts that appear in the spring are transplanted to a permanent place. The delenki are carried out immediately, the mountaineers tolerate the procedure without any problems and develop quickly. Planting is done in the spring, plant care consists of regular weeding until the seedlings get stronger, and moderate watering. Fertilizer can be omitted or fed once a season with a complex organic composition.

The most popular varieties of knotweed: Alpine, Sakhalin, Aubert, variable, Baljuan.

Alpine knotweed

Alpine knotweed is a herbaceous perennial up to a meter in height with short branches and a weakly branched stem. The leaves are covered with hairs on both sides and bloom with small white buds from July to August. After this, an inedible fruit appears - a dark, glossy nut 3 cm long. It grows quickly, suppressing nearby crops; it is preferable to plant where it is necessary to cover the territory in a short time.

In nature, it is distributed in the Far East, the Caucasus, Central Asia, and in the mountainous regions of Europe. The plant has a wide range of uses: young shoots and leaves are used for culinary purposes; they successfully replace sorrel and spring greens in salads. All parts of alpine knotweed are rich in beneficial elements. Flowers and leaves contain glycosides, acids, flavonoids, roots are rich in tannins. In folk medicine, knotweed is used to treat dysentery.

Sakhalin

Sakhalin knotweed is a large herbaceous plant that grows to a height of three or four meters. Green stems in summer are covered with reddish spots, and in winter without leaves they resemble a bamboo forest, so planting the variety is decorative throughout the season. It is recommended to place it as a solitary plant, since after a short time it will take over the entire free area, taking nutrients from neighboring bushes and trees.

The hollow stems of the knotweed taste like rhubarb, have a composition rich in vitamins and microelements, and are eaten as medicine. The Sakhalin species is resistant to low light; it can be planted in light shade, under the wall of a building, or near a hedge. It is necessary to carefully consider what territory to allocate to it, since it will be very difficult to get rid of an overgrown perennial.

Aubert

Aubert's knotweed is a climbing native of China, a shrubby vine, which in mid-August is covered with white small inflorescences - panicles. The leaves (up to 9 cm in length) then acquire a purple tint. Like all varieties, Aubert's knotweed is unpretentious; for successful cultivation it requires loose soil, regular watering, removal of dead shoots, and mulching to retain moisture. The vine is pruned to curb excessive growth; if you need to cover a large area with greenery, the procedure is not carried out. In order for the Aubert Highlander to have an attractive appearance, a support is built for it along which it will curl.

Baljuan is often confused with it. They are similar to each other, but there are also differences. Baljuan knotweed is a liana that grows up to 15 meters in height, giving an annual growth of 3-4 m. It blooms more abundantly in large clusters up to 20 cm long; there are varieties with pink or cream inflorescences. In favorable weather, with timely watering and fertilizing, some specimens are able to produce buds from the beginning of summer until cold weather. In regions with low winter temperatures, they must be covered, since a frozen plant will not bloom.

Volatile

Variable knotweed is a herbaceous species, growing up to 2 m, perennial. The inflorescence is a large cluster of small buds of white or soft pink color with a strong honey aroma. They do not fall off, remain on the plant until the end of autumn, and the shoots of the variable knotweed change color to bright red.

This species is distributed by cuttings and root layering; seed propagation is not used for it. To give the bush symmetry, side shoots are regularly removed, preventing it from growing. It remains in a permanent place for up to 10 years, after which the crop must be transplanted to another area or rejuvenated.