Polygonum orientale — a medium houseplant, prefers full sun light
SPECIMEN · FROM THE LIBRARY
Polygonum orientale

Polygonum Orientale

Updated · 2 observations
ON THIS PLANT

Persicaria orientalis is a species of flowering plant in the family Polygonaceae, known as kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate and princess-feather. It was first described, as Polygonum orientale, by Carl Linnaeus in 1753. It was transferred to the genus Persicaria by Édouard Spach in 1841. Its native distribution is unclear. As of May 2019, Plants of the World Online lists only Uzbekistan, whereas other sources give a much wider distribution in temperate and tropical Asia and Australia. It is widely cultivated and naturalized.

A note from PlantMom

Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate has strong resistance to diseases and is typically not very susceptible to them. Still, it can be affected by pests and diseases that exist in the surrounding area. When infections occur, they are generally mild. Regarding care, this plant needs a moderate amount of attention. Regular pruning is necessary to preserve an attractive appearance and encourage healthy growth. Applying fertilizer can also help increase flowering. Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate is appropriate for anyone with outdoor space, such as a garden or a patio, and does not demand extensive gardening experience. It may need more intensive care if grown indoors.

— PlantMom
CARE GUIDE

How to keep Polygonum Orientale.

Light

Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate performs best in full sun but can tolerate lower light levels, demonstrating some flexibility in its light requirements. Native to sunny habitats, it grows vigorously with plenty of sunlight. However, both excessively intense, continual sun and inadequate light can impede its healthy growth.

Water

Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate (Polygonum orientale, Persicaria orientale), also known as the Lady’s Fingers, Prince’s Feather, Princess Feather, or the Oriental Persicary, is an extremely rapid-growing annual that self-sows in autumn. Once planted, the bloom is likely to remain in that location for many years. Although the plant may reach heights of 7 feet (2 m) and widths of 4 feet (1 m), it seldom, if ever, requires staking. The flowers of this plant bloom in 3-inch (8 cm) long, spiky clusters that dangle pendulously in red, white, and magenta colors. Originally from China, it was formerly a highly popular plant in the United States since it was a favorite of Thomas Jefferson.

Temperature

Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate comes from habitats where temperatures are generally between 68 and 95 °F (20 and 35 ℃). In colder seasons, it is advisable to keep the surrounding conditions as close to that range as possible.

Fertilizer

When Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate has opened most of its blooms to full size, it's time to start fertilizing again. Around the peak of flowering, resume fertilizing once every three to four weeks, weather permitting. Then, once Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate begins producing fewer new blooms, stop fertilizing; there's no need to fertilize when the plant can't produce any more blooms.

Pruning

No pruning is required for your Kiss Me Over the Garden plant.

Toxicity

Due to the presence of oxalic acid in its seeds, the Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate is quite toxic. Despite being non-toxic in nature, oxalic acid may tie up other minerals, rendering them inaccessible to the body and resulting in mineral insufficiency.

Further reading →

The toxicity and danger assessments provided are for reference only. We do not assure their accuracy, so it's crucial not to depend on them. Seek professional advice when necessary for accurate guidance.

CHARACTERISTICS

Botanical profile.

Plant Type
Herb
Life Cycle
Annual, Biennial
Genus
Polygonum
Family
Polygonaceae
Hardiness Zone
7-10
Mature Height
0.91 m to 2.13 m
Mature Spread
0.61 m to 1.22 m
Leaf Color
Green
Leaf Type
Semi-evergreen
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Size
7.62 cm to 15.24 cm
Bloom Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Planting Time
Spring, Autumn
Harvest Time
Fall
Native Area
Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Laos, China, Russia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Japan, Koppen, Bhutan, South Korea, Thailand
ALSO KNOWN AS

Other names.

en Kiss me over the garden gate en Kiss-me-over-the-garden-gate en Eastern knotgrass en Prince's feather en Princess feather en Prince's feather smartweed
ALSO IN THE LIBRARY

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