Persicaria maculosa (Redshank) - keep or not?

Anna33

I've been waiting to see what a mystery plant growing in the borders is, and now the leaves have come through sufficiently, I have been able to identify it as Persicaria maculosa. Looking this up online, it looks like it can also be considered a weed.

This plant is completely new to me, and is something that has popped up without being planted. It already looks pretty vigorous.

Is it worth keeping, or will it turn into a nightmare and seed/run everywhere? Is it any good for wildlife (primarily pollinators & insects), which is what I try and aim for with the garden.

I know nothing about this one at all, but if it is likely to be a nuisance with no wildlife value, I'll hoik it out as there's plenty else I can put in its place. If it will have wildlife value, I'll leave it in.

Dovefromabove

Fine in a ‘wilderness’ area but don’t keep it in a bed or border .., it seeds absolutely everywhere. 

Busy-Lizzie

It's a weed, or wildflower, quite common. I pull them up in favour of something more worthwhile. There are plenty of plants that are prettier and attract wild life.

Obelixx

It's a pest.  I "acquired" a load of this stuff 2 years ago in bags of compost which clearly hadn't got hot enough to be sterilised.   Flipping redshanks all over the place.  There are much better forms of persicaria to grow both for looks and for wildlife.

BobTheGardener

I agree and also 'acquired' it, a few years ago.  It's in the elite pack and one of the "One year's seeds, seven years' weeds" variety of weed.

Anna33

Thank you all! I've dug this up and will plant something far friendlier instead. Glad I checked with you guys.