Reynoutria multiflora Seeds | Polygonum Multiflorum He Shou Wu
LATIN NAME: Reynoutria multiflora
COMMON NAME: He Shou Wu, Fo-Ti
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as He Shou Wu, Reynoutria multiflora is a twining, herb in the knotweed family, native to woodlands and thickets of the east Asia, while it has been used in traditions for its roots for a very long time. Its appeal to pollinating insects adds a second, ecological layer to its ornamental one. Each of these traits is modest on its own; together they make a garden-worthy plant.
Science & Biotechnology
Botanists studying the knotweed family regularly include Reynoutria multiflora in comparative work, and the species also appears in horticultural trials aimed at gardeners and growers. He shou wu has a real and distinguished place in research. Gardeners benefit directly from its long cultivation: what the plant will do in a garden is well understood.
Uses & Benefits
He Shou Wu works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. He shou wu is a twining, herbaceous perennial vine of woodlands, bearing heart-shaped, bright-green leaves and small, white flowers in late summer, followed by large, tuberous roots underground. Its flowers feed bees and other pollinators, and its twining habit gives a fine cover for trellises and fences, while its large, tuberous roots are a traditional material in the East Asian medicine. To raise he shou wu, sow seeds in pots of moist, open soil in a cool, bright place, keep them gently watered, and grow little vines on in the light. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.
Japanese knotweed root, Hu Zhang, is a major Chinese herb and one of the richest natural sources of resveratrol, the red-wine polyphenol studied for cardiovascular and longevity pathways; as a garden plant it is famously vigorous, so containment matters.
Growing from Seed
Starting He Shou Wu from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow on the surface of a gritty, well-drained mix, cover lightly with fine compost, and maintain gentle, even moisture in a sunny position. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
He Shou Wu, Fo-Ti settles in quickly once it finds its footing. In a sunny, freely drained position it needs little looking after.
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