Tearthumb
Persicaria sagittata · Polygonaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant tearthumb: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Blooming
- July to September
- Adult size
- 12 to 24 inches in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Hardy, down to 5 °F
- Origin
- Southeast Asia
- Soil type
- Moist to cool, tolerates marshy areas
Care
Regular watering
Sagittate bistorta appreciates constantly moist, even wet soil. Water regularly during the growing season, particularly in summer. In containers, make sure the substrate never dries out completely between waterings.
Bright exposure
Place your plant in full sun to partial shade. It blooms more abundantly with at least 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. However, it tolerates light partial shade, especially in very hot regions.
Suitable soil
Prefer rich, moist soil with good structure and organic matter. This species thrives in marshy soils or along humid banks. Adding compost at planting time promotes root development.
Pruning and cleanup
Perform rejuvenation pruning in early spring to encourage denser growth. Remove dead or damaged stems after winter. Light tip pinching in June promotes branching.
Moderate nutrition
A balanced fertilizer application (NPK) in spring is usually sufficient. In containers, diluted liquid fertilizer every 15 days during the growing season supports blooming.
Health monitoring
Sagittate bistorta is generally sturdy. In excess stagnant moisture, root rot may appear. Ensure good drainage and air circulation to prevent fungal issues. Regularly inspect leaves to detect any early problems.
Did you know?
Sagittate bistorta gets its scientific name 'sagittata' from the characteristic shape of its leaves, which resemble arrowheads. Often used in Asian water and bog gardens, it symbolizes the remarkable adaptation of flora to wet environments.
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.