Water
Redshank prefers consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil does not completely dry out. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Also known as Lady's-Thumb · Lady's-Thumb Smartweed · Ladysthumb
Redshank (Polygonum persicaria) is an annual weed with erect stems, pinkish flowers, and lance-shaped leaves often marked with a dark blotch.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade
75% intensity
Thrives in bright light but can tolerate some shade.
Keep moist
75% intensity
Prefers consistently moist soil, but avoid waterlogging.
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Average
50% intensity
Prefers moderate temperatures, generally between 15-25°C.
Low
25% intensity
Benefits from light feeding once in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Redshank prefers consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, ensuring the soil does not completely dry out. Reduce watering in cooler months.
Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure good drainage.
Pruning is generally not required for aesthetic reasons, as it is an annual or short-lived perennial. Remove dead or damaged stems at any time to maintain tidiness.
If the plant becomes leggy, light trimming can encourage bushier growth.
Redshank self-seeds readily. To propagate intentionally, sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring after the last frost. Seedlings can also be transplanted from volunteer plants.
It can also be propagated from cuttings taken in spring or early summer.
As Polygonum persicaria is often grown as an annual or a short-lived perennial, repotting is rarely necessary. If grown in a container and it outgrows its pot, repot in spring into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining potting mix.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Redshank (Polygonum persicaria)
Where Redshank (Polygonum persicaria) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Polygonum |
| Species | Polygonum persicaria |
Similar in genus Polygonum
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
