Polygonum vacciniifolium Wall, ex Meissn.

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Credits

Article from Bean's Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles

Recommended citation
'Polygonum vacciniifolium' from the website Trees and Shrubs Online (treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/polygonum/polygonum-vacciniifolium/). Accessed 2024-03-28.

Other taxa in genus

Glossary

acuminate
Narrowing gradually to a point.
acute
Sharply pointed.
apex
(pl. apices) Tip. apical At the apex.
axillary
Situated in an axil.
glaucous
Grey-blue often from superficial layer of wax (bloom).
included
(botanical) Contained within another part or organ.
undulate
Wavy.

References

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Credits

Article from Bean's Trees and Shrubs Hardy in the British Isles

Recommended citation
'Polygonum vacciniifolium' from the website Trees and Shrubs Online (treesandshrubsonline.org/articles/polygonum/polygonum-vacciniifolium/). Accessed 2024-03-28.

Although usually classified in trade catalogues as an herbaceous plant, P. vacciniifolium is as much a shrub as many other borderline species included in this work and is usually classified as such by botanists. It forms a mat of slender, intertwining woody stems a few inches high, but is able to spread almost indefinitely by self-layering. Leaves deciduous, rich glossy green above, glaucous beneath, mostly elliptic, 12 to 78 in. long, acute at the apex, somewhat undulate; stipules deeply divided into narrow shreds. Flowers rosy pink, about 18 in. long, subtended by glistening, golden-brown acuminate bracts, borne August to October in slender terminal and axillary spikes up to 3 in. long. Stamens six to eight, with pinkish purple anthers. Styles free, slender. Bot. Mag., t. 4622.

Native of the Himalaya; introduced in 1845. It is perfectly hardy and flowers profusely in a sunny position, provided the soil is not too rich. An ideal carpeting plant for the large rock garden or the top of a dry wall, particularly lovely in autumn, when the older leaves turn bright red. Easily propagated by taking rooted pieces, or by cuttings. Award of Garden Merit 1955.