Virginia knotweed

Family: Buckwheat family. Hardiness zone: 4-9. An unusual and stunningly beautiful perennial. The variegated foliage is the main reason this species is grown.

Greenish-white flowers appear in late summer and are of little value to the gardener. It is most ornamental in full sun; light partial shade is acceptable. Soils are preferably moist, but it tolerates drought well. Most attractive in large groups. Self-seeding is possible in a favorable location. There are cultivars with different leaf coloration: Lance Corporal' - yellowish-green leaves have rich red-brown spots in the center.

Painter's Palette (Палитра художника) - see photo. Leaves are variegated with white stripes and black-red markings. In late summer the clump is decorated by airy stems bearing many red bead-like flowers.

based on materials from the website www.ultradrome.narod.ru