‘Painter’s Palette’ is an easy to grow, beautiful perennial

Persicaria virginiana ‘Painter’s Palette’ is beautiful, will grow just about anywhere and returns year after year. What else do you need to know? Photos by Doug Oster Tribune-Review

I first saw ‘Painter’s Palette’ (Persicaria virginiana) growing down the long driveway of Churchill Mayor Paul McKenna. He’s a magnificent gardener with a deep obsession for hostas.

The foliage of ‘Painter’s Palette’ is beautiful, the bonus comes with the pretty red flowers.

The plant was growing out in full sun, but McKenna told me it would grow anywhere, and in my garden it gets mostly shade.

‘Painter’s Palette’ has pretty creamy white and green variegated foliage tinged with pink. The plant really shines in late August when the long panicles are filled with tiny bright red flowers.

It’s an aggressive spreader, so take that into account when planting. Mine is planted in average garden soil and has not overrun the garden. It will also throw seeds everywhere which sprout in the most unlikely places.

My garden is filled with low maintenance plants like ‘Painter’s Palette.’ This perennial needs nothing from us, which is wonderful.

All we need to do is sit back and enjoy the show.