Phytolacca americana
Pokeweed, Inkberry, Poke, Garget, Pigeon berry, Scoke pokeweed, Red ink plant, Virginia poke, American poke
Also known as Phytolacca decandra
- Height × spread
- 4m × 5m
- Position
- Full sun
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Flowers
- Summer
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
This massive plant can reach as much as 4m (13ft) height. Its big oblong arching leaves are held on soft stems and the flower spikes are quite large, columnar and coloured white or pink. They are followed in autumn by rather rude looking fruits, composed of masses of close packed, black berries that form a stout and glistening poker. The whole plant has an unpleasant odour.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Fruit colour
- Red
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- Yes
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 4m
- Spread
- 5m
- Season of interest
- Summer, Autumn
- Flowers in
- Summer
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Scented garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Clay, Gravelly soil, Loam (normal), Poor soil, Sandy soil
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil
- Hardiness
- Colder than -20C (RHS H7)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Rabbit resistant
- Hazards
- Yes, plant with caution; Humans: CAUTION toxic if eaten
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.