Looking for an indestructible, variegated, fall blooming beauty?

Persicaria virginiana (Variegata Group) ‘Painter’s Palette’ is a star in the fall garden. Not only will it spread by underground runners, but will also self sow. Photos by Doug Oster Trib Total Media

The bright red flowers of ‘Painter’s Palette’ put on quite a show at the end of the season.

Garden surprises make our little world go around, don’t they? Churchill Mayor Paul McKenna is obsessed with hostas, growing hundreds (if not thousands) of them in his pristine garden. It’s one of the most incredible landscapes I’ve ever seen.

Like all great gardeners, Paul loves to share. After a visit, he gave me ‘Fried Bananas’ hosta, but is was a wild looking plant overtaking a long bed along his driveway which really had me drooling.

Persicaria virginiana (Variegata Group) ‘Painter’s Palette’ is a real beauty which simply can’t be stopped. He gladly grabbed a spade and dug out a nice clump.

The green and white variegated foliage of this beautiful perennials is set off by long, slender flower stems filled with bright red flowers in the fall. The slightest breeze will make the flowers sway.

‘Painter’s Palette’ will grow in full sun or part shade. It likes to have a little extra water when things dry out, but it’s not fussy.

It can be aggressive, so give it room to run. Not only does it spread through rhizomes, it self-sows freely too.

Mine has stayed in check as it’s growing in the shade and not in the best soil. I’m going to transplant some of the babies into a better spot.

Hopefully I’ll be able to pay it forward to other gardeners, just like Paul did for me.