Persicaria odorata

Native to the tropical regions of south and east Asia, Vietnamese coriander, Persicaria odorata, has both medicinal and culinary uses. Its leaves have a spicy, zingy flavour, and are used in Asian dishes including stir fries, Vietnamese soups (pho) and spring rolls.

Grow plants in a sheltered spot in sun to partial shade, in a rich, fertile soil. Being native to tropical regions, it needs to be overwintered indoors as soon as temperatures start to decrease in autumn.