Name: Persicaria virginiana ‘Variegata’ aka variegated jumpseed
Type of Plant: A herbaceous perennial (meaning it dies to the ground over the winter) that grows to 3 feet tall and wide and is hardy in Zones 5 to 8.
Why I Love This Plant: Fresh white and green leaves all summer. A self-seeder (hence the name “jumpseed”) but not overly enthusiastic and not difficult to edit where it’s not wanted. This is a native plant, and the birds LOVE the seeds!
A Word to the Wise: Do not confuse this with ‘Painter’s Palette’ – a variety of P. virginiana that I’m not a fan of. ‘Painter’s Palette’ is more aggressive and I don’t think it’s as attractive. But maybe that’s just me.
Clean green and white leaves. This is a foliage-contrast plant for perennial gardens and shrub borders.
In October and November, when I approach this plant in my gardens, the birds fly out because they have been feating on the seeds. Reason alone to plant this native perennial, I’m thinking…
Here is a group of variegated jumpseed in my rain garden at dawn. Love, love, love.
You may find this gently self-seeding in random areas of your landscape. Appreciate it where you like the contrast between white and dark green, and pull it where you don’t want it to grow.
Wow! What a neat plant – it looks like hosta surrounded by Baby’s Breath. It’s really gorgeous!