Polygonum manshuriense
| Polygonum manshuriense | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 2' |
| Blooms: | Early Summer-Mid Summer |
| Meadows | |
| Native to: | |
| Medicinal Rating: | |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Polygonum manshuriense (common name: asian bistort)
Propagation: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Germination is usually free and easy. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer if they have reached sufficient size. If not, overwinter them in a cold frame and plant them out the following spring after the last expected frosts.
Division in spring or autumn. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.
Cultivation: We have very little information on the cultivation requirements of this plant, though judging by its habitat and range it is probably hardy throughout Britain. The following notes are for the closely related P. bistorta and probably also apply to this species[K].
Succeeds in an ordinary garden soil[1] but prefers a moisture retentive not too fertile soil in sun or part shade[2]. The plant repays generous treatment[1].
A very cold-hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to at least -25°c[3].
Plants are somewhat spreading, forming quite extensive colonies[3] especially in low-lying pastures[4]. They seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[5].
Range: E. Asia - China, Korea and eastern Siberia.
Habitat: Grassy slopes, forest margins and valleys at elevations of 800 - 1800 metres in northern China[6].
Medicinal: The root contains tannins and flavonoids[7]. It is used in Korea to treat diarrhoea[7].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Seed Ripens: Late Summer-Early Fall
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ Grieve, Margaret. A Modern Herbal. Penguin, 1984.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ Flora of China. 1994.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Medicinal Plants in the Republic of Korea. World Health Organisation, 1998.