Aubert's Knotweedis a fast-growing climber that quickly forms a tight green cover. Thanks to this, Aubert's knotweed is worth planting wherever there is a need to quickly cover unsightly surfaces. See whatcultivating Aubert's knotweedand how to carry it outplanting knotweed in the gardenWe reveal a simple way to do it yourselfpropagating Aubert's knotweedand we suggest how to defeatdiseases that attack knotweed
Aubert's rdest - Fallopia aubertii
Photo. AnRo0002, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Aubert's knotweed - description
Aubert's knotweed , otherwise also known as Auber's knotweed (Fallopia aubertii), is a perennial climber originating from China, with exceptionally fast growth. It isthe fastest growing ornamental plant in PolandIn one year, Aubert's knotweed shoots reach 5 to 12 m in length. Aubert's knotweed, which grows in good conditions, can cover an area of several dozen square meters within a few years. From August to October,
Aubert's knotweed blooms with tiny white flowers , gathered in long (up to 50 cm) panicles. In full bloom, inflorescences cover the leaves almost completely. The flowers that fade away turn into fruit.Aubert's Knotweed Fruitis a small (5-7 mm) white or pinkish shell.
There is only one available in PolandAubert's knotweed variety- 'Summer Sunshine' with golden leaves and red stems. Another variety can be found in the West, Aubert's knotweed 'Lemon Lace' with yellow-green leaves.
Growing Aubert's Knotweed
Aubert's knotweed requires full sun. Only on such plants it grows and blooms profusely. It can also grow in partial shade, but then flowering is poor. Knotweed, on the other hand, does not tolerate shade, it grows particularly bad under the canopy.
Aubert's knotweed is a plant with low soil requirementsIt grows well in any type of soil, as long as it is moderately moist. Once Aubert's knotweed has taken root, it endures a short-term drought, but the plant sheds leaves that previously turned yellow. Thereforein dry and hot summers it is recommended to water Aubert's knotweed regularlyAubert's knotweed does not like wet soils. When the soil is too moist, Aubert's knotweed turns yellow.
Aubert's knotweed is moderately frost-resistant.In severe winters, shoots freeze easily. However, they regenerate very quickly after spring pruning. It is imperative to protect the root system well for the winter.For this purpose, it is best to make a thick layer of bark, leaves or straw mulch at the foot of the bush, creating a mound around the plant. Due to insufficient frost resistance,Aubert's knotweed is not suitable for cultivation in north-eastern Poland , where the plant often dies in severe frosts, especially during snowless winters.
Aubert's knotweed is a very expansive climberIt should be grown with strong supports under vines made of wood or metal, in large areas. Due to its vigorous growth, it is not recommended for planting in containers on balconies.
Aubert's knotweed climbs over the walls of buildings and grows over gutters and other external elements that can be damaged. Therefore,an essential step in the care of Aubert's knotweed is to trim the shootsto limit their growth.Trimming Aubert's Knotweedshould be performed every 2-3 weeks throughout the growing period. The rejuvenation pruning of Aubert's knotweed, which is necessary due to the bare stems, is best done in the spring.The spring cutting time for Aubert's knotweed increases the amount of flowers.
No less important isfertilizing Aubert's knotweed . Due to the rapid weight gain, this plant very quickly depletes the nutrients in the substrate. That is why Aubert's knotweed should be fertilized with manure every 2 years.
Aubert's rdest - Fallopia aubertii
Photo. AnRo0002, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Planting Aubert's Knotweed
Aubert's knotweed can be planted in the garden during the entire growing season. Howeverthe best planting dates for Aubert's knotweed are fall (August-October) and spring (April-May)Aubert's knotweed is planted in a 40x40x40 cm hole with a 10 cm layer of well-decomposed manure on the bottom, or compost soil. After planting the plant, the pit is filled with fertile soil. The creeper should be planted 30-50 cm from the walls and supports, and at least 90 cm from other plants. After planting the knotweed, shorten its stems by about 1/3 of its length
To green a 6 m long fence with Aubert's knotweed, only one seedling is enough . Aubert's knotweed grows very quickly and within 2 years it can tightly cover the wall of a low building.
Propagating Aubert's Knotweed
Aubert's knotweed is propagated by layering or semi-woody cuttings.
Propagation of knotweed by layering
Layouts are prepared in the spring. Bend the knotweed shoot to the ground, remove the bark from it, then put it on the ground and cover it with soil (25 cm long). Place a stone on the unpleasant ground so that the stem does not bend back to the vertical position. Regularly water the rooting shoots. In autumn, when roots appear on the shoot, cut it off from the mother plant and plant it on the target site.
Propagation of knotweed from semi-woody cuttings
Semi-woody cuttings, 15 cm long, are harvested from July to September. The cuttings, cleaned of leaves in the lower part, are rooted in pots, preferably in a greenhouse, foil or an inspection. Seedlings should be shaded and watered regularly. Aubert's knotweed cuttings take approximately 3 weeks to root and are then ready for permanent planting.
Aubert's Knotweed Diseases
Aubert's knotweed is a plant that is rarely attacked by diseases and pests. The most commondisease of Aubert's knotweed is leaf spotIt is a disease caused by various types of fungi. The firstsymptoms of Aubert's knotweed leaf spotappear in late spring. Aubert's knotweed leaves appear brown, darkening, round spots surrounded by a reddish or brown border. Infected leaves dry up and fall prematurely. After noticing the first spots on the leaves of the plant, spray it 2-3 times with a fungicide, eg Topsin M 500 SC.Leaf spot fungi overwinter on fallen leaves, so symptomatic fallen leaves should be raided and burned.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
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