Used in south-east Asian cooking, the leaves of ‘Growflow’ have a pungent, coriander-like aroma when young, becoming more biting and hot as they age. Distinctive enough to be interesting in its own right with dark reddish chevrons to the leaves, the plant produces spikes of tiny pink flowers from late summer in sheltered, warmer parts of the country. An ingredient in stir fries, Vietnamese soups (pho) and spring rolls, it needs well-drained soil in full sun in a sheltered position during the summer, and in a container under glass for the rest of the year.
How to care for Persicaria odorata Growflow:
Grow in full sun in free-draining, fertile soil or compost. Pinch out the tips regularly to encourage fresh leaf growth. Being native to tropical regions, it needs to be overwintered indoors or under glass as soon as temperatures start to decrease in autumn.
Eventual height:
0.6m
Eventual spread:
0.6m
Rate of growth:
Fast-growing
Soil:
Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil, or peat-free general purpose compost
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This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.