Fringed Polygonella Plant Care

Fringed Polygonella (Polygonella ciliata) belongs to the Polygonaceae family within the Polygonella genus. Fringed Polygonella is native to pinelands and sandy pine barrens at elevations less than 50 m, in central and southern parts of the state. Fringed Polygonella is also known as Ciliate Jointweed.

Fringed Polygonella displays a low spreading groundcover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Fringed Polygonella produces small clusters of pink or white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Fringed Polygonella every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Fringed Polygonella thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Polygonella ciliata tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Fringed Polygonella prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Good drainage is essential for Fringed Polygonella to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Fringed Polygonella every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining sandy soil with added organic matter for moisture retention. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Fringed Polygonella is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Fringed Polygonella can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Fringed Polygonella while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Fringed Polygonella is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Fringed Polygonella can be propagated through seeds, division of root ball. Similar propagation techniques also apply to american jointweed plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Fringed Polygonella is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, leaf miners. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Fringed Polygonella grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Fringed Polygonella is native to pinelands and sandy pine barrens at elevations less than 50 m, in central and southern parts of the state. In cooler regions, grow Fringed Polygonella as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.