Fallopia convolvulus
Fallopia convolvulus · Polygonaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant fallopia convolvulus: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- July to October
- Adult size
- 30 to 100 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Excellent, -15 °C
- Origin
- Temperate Asia
- Soil type
- All soils, undemanding
Care
Light exposure
Bistorta tenella thrives in full sun or partial shade. It tolerates sunny areas very well and remains productive even with partial light. Choose an open exposure for optimal flowering.
Watering
Water regularly during active growing periods, especially in dry weather. Keep the soil moist but well-drained. Once established, the plant tolerates moisture variations better.
Soil
This species adapts to all soil types, even poor or compacted ones. It requires no special enrichment and prefers good drainage to prevent root suffocation.
Fertilizing
No fertilizer is necessary for this undemanding plant. A light compost application in spring is plenty if the soil is really very poor.
Pruning and maintenance
Pinch young stems to encourage branching. In autumn, the plant dries naturally; you can cut it back to ground level or let it decompose. It often self-seeds spontaneously.
Diseases and pests
Very hardy, it rarely suffers from diseases. Watch for aphids in case of intensive cultivation. Good air circulation and watering at the base limit any risk of rot or fungal disease.
Did you know?
Bistorta tenella is an invasive pioneer plant in Europe, escaped from Asia probably through seed trade in the 19th century. Its seeds can remain viable for several years in the soil and germinate massively whenever the ground is disturbed, making it a very difficult species to eradicate once established.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- SorrelRumex acetosa
- Pink knotweedPersicaria capitata
- Mile-a-minute vineFallopia baldschuanica
- RhubarbRheum rhabarbarum
- Maidenhair vineMuehlenbeckia complexa
- Red bistortBistorta amplexicaulis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.