If you are looking for an undemanding, unusual and exotic plant for your garden, the best solution will be to plant a scarlet. The most commonly grown species is the American Scarlet Phytolacca americana.As its name suggests, it lives in the South-East of North America.
Despite its origin, it is not a capricious plant and we can easily meet its habitat requirements. This perennial grows up to 100-180 cm, produces a fairly large tap root, like a beetroot, so it may react poorly to transplanting at a later age, so it is better to plant it in a planned permanent place.
The ornamental element of the scarlet is a branched stem with shoots and petioles in an intense pink-red color.Leaves are light green, ovate, 10-15 cm long, also turning purple in autumn.At the end of June and July, dangling cluster inflorescences with dozens of flowers appear. They are small, star-shaped, white or pinkish.
After pollination, fruits develop, initially red, with time even navy blue berries, which are the greatest attraction of the plant. Fruit juice is used in the United States to color wine, juices and sweets.Although the plant is slightly poisonous in its raw state, after cooking its young shoots can be eaten like asparagus.
The scarlet will grow on virtually any soil, but not waterlogged, but on fertile, well-drained, constantly slightly moist, it grows significantly more.Prefers a sunny position, but it will also do well in partial shade. In autumn, when the first major frost weighs the leaves and shoots, remove the above-ground part and cover the surrounding soil with a thin layer of peat or bark.
The scarlet is frost-resistant, but it can freeze during snow-free, cold winters.In spring it starts growing late (even at the end of April), but it quickly grows to its full size and fills up empty space.The Asian species - Phytolacca clavigera - is a much more special treat. It is a bit shorter, grows up to 150 cm, but has more massive stems and is more stocky.
It blooms earlier, on erect flower shoots, already in May, while its fruits, equally decorative, resemble flattened blackberries.Likes warm, well-drained and fertile soil, although it will grow almost anywhere in a fully sunny or semi-shaded position.Besides, this plant has no special cultivation requirements.
