Pinkweed (Polygonum spp.), also called Smartweed or Pink Knotweed, is a versatile wetland herb known for its clusters of tiny pink blooms and adaptability to moist soil conditions. This hardy flowering plant is ideal for rain gardens, pond edges, and naturalized landscapes where it thrives without fuss.
With its slender stems and spike-like flower clusters, Pinkweed adds beauty and ecological value to environments where many plants struggle. It is beloved by butterflies, bees, and other pollinators and serves as a food source for wildlife. The plant's strong root system helps with erosion control, making it ideal for ecological landscaping and habitat restoration.
Whether you're planting along a stream, creating a pollinator meadow, or establishing a rain garden, Pinkweed offers both visual interest and environmental benefits.
Features
- Produces abundant pink flower clusters all summer
- Thrives in wet, marshy, or low-lying soils
- Non-GMO perennial herb, suitable for naturalized plantings
- Attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators
- Excellent for rain gardens, pond edges, or erosion control
Specifications
- Seed Type: Pinkweed Smartweed flower herb seeds
- Botanical Name: Polygonum spp.
- Common Names: Smartweed, Knotweed, Pinkweed
- Plant Type: Perennial herb
- Plant Height: 12 – 36 inches
- Zones: USDA Zones 4–9
- Light Requirement: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil Type: Wet or moist soils, clay tolerant
- Germination Time: 14 – 21 days
- Days to Maturity: 60 – 90 days
- GMO Status: Non-GMO
- Season: Spring to early summer sowing
- Planting Depth: 1/8 inch
- Spacing: 6 – 12 inches apart
- Optimal Temperature: 60°F to 75°F (16°C to 24°C)
- Watering: Prefers consistently moist conditions
- Companion Plants: Marsh marigold, Joe-Pye weed, Blue vervain
- Bloom Time: Summer to early fall
- Flower Color: Pink
- Pollinator Value: Excellent nectar source
- Uses: Rain gardens, naturalized meadows, erosion control, wetland restoration
- Storage: Store seeds in a cool, dry place
Planting Guide
- Direct Sow or Start Indoors: Sow directly outdoors in moist soil in spring, or start indoors and transplant after frost.
- Soil Preparation: Choose wet or consistently moist locations for best results.
- Watering: Keep soil wet, especially during germination.
- Maintenance: Little care needed once established; spreads by rhizomes.
- Wildlife Value: Attracts pollinators and supports wetland biodiversity.