Should I prune my leggy Persicaria?

Yes, pruning will help the plant grow back thicker. Cut back the long stems by about one third to encourage new growth.

Does this plant flower when it is leggy?

Persicaria maculosa normally flowers in summer with pink spikes, but a leggy plant may produce fewer or no blooms. It needs plenty of light to support flower production.

Redshank: leggy growth, causes and fixes

Check these first

Observe the distance between the leaves on the stem.
Check if the plant is leaning toward a light source.
Measure the amount of light the plant receives daily.

Likely causes

Insufficient Light
Most likely
How to tell: The stems are stretching out with large gaps between the leaves. The plant leans heavily toward the nearest window.
What to do: Move your plant to a spot that receives bright, indirect light or partial sun. If you are growing it indoors, place it within 2 feet of a sunny window. Rotate the pot every week to ensure all sides get equal light.
Excessive Heat
Possible
How to tell: The plant grows quickly but the stems are thin and weak. The leaves may look pale or slightly scorched.
What to do: Move the plant away from direct heat sources like radiators or vents. Keep the ambient temperature between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure the plant has good air circulation to keep it cool.

Leggy growth in other plants

Find out what's wrong with your redshank

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

When to worry

Legginess is mostly an aesthetic issue, but it can lead to weak stems that snap easily. It is normal for the plant to stretch slightly during the darker winter months.

Stopping it coming back

Provide consistent bright light throughout the growing season. Prune back long stems in early spring to encourage a bushier shape.

Redshank: leggy growth? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your redshank and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Should I prune my leggy Persicaria?: Yes, pruning will help the plant grow back thicker. Cut back the long stems by about one third to encourage new growth.
Does this plant flower when it is leggy?: Persicaria maculosa normally flowers in summer with pink spikes, but a leggy plant may produce fewer or no blooms. It needs plenty of light to support flower production.

Why is my Persicaria maculosa growing so leggy?