Polygonum Planting Guide
- 1). Spread compost 2 inches thick where you will be planting. Dig a hole deep enough to cover the rootball of the polygonum plant. The location of the hole should be in a shady to semi-shady location where there is a lot of moisture. Work the compost into the hole's soil as you dig. It will help contain moisture. The hole also needs to be 5 feet away from any other plants or the silver lace vine will take over.
- 2). Release the plant from its pot and tease out the roots. Spread the roots into the hole and backfill. Add slow-release fertilizer to the soil surrounding the plant at the rate the package recommends and work it in to the soil. Cover around the plant with a thin layer of mulch to further conserve moisture. Polygonum plants need plenty of water to thrive.
- 3). Set a stake near the base of the plant to start supporting it. Use plant ties to adhere the polygonum to the stake. You can also just plant it near a support structure and train it to twine up the support. The plant could also just be left to lie on the ground and will grow outward as a ground cover.
- 4). Prune polygonum in early spring and divide or take cuttings at this time too. Polygonum responds well to hard pruning and it will help keep the plant in check. The rapid growing habit can accommodate multiple pruning per year if necessary. Pruned sections can be used as cuttings to start new plants.
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