Persicaria microcephala Red Dragon (Knotweed)
Well-behaved, Persicaria microcephala ‘Red Dragon’ (Knotweed) is a vigorous, clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial boasting lance-shaped, burgundy leaves adorned with a bold blue-gray chevron in their center when young.
Well-behaved, Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon' (Knotweed) is a vigorous, clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial boasting lance-shaped, burgundy leaves adorned with a bold blue-gray chevron in their center when young. As they mature, they turn silver-purple and finally green. From midsummer to early fall, tiny white flowers cluster at the tips. A dense groundcover, spreading less quickly than the species.
- Grows up to 30-36 in. tall and wide (75-90 cm). This plant will get bigger over time but does not run.
- Thrives in moderately fertile, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. Soils should be kept evenly moist.
- A welcomed addition to beds and borders, cottage gardens or mixed containers.
- Virtually pest and disease free. Deer and rabbit resistant.
- Cut back in fall.
- Propagate by stem tip cuttings or by division.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 6 – 8 |
|---|---|
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Persicaria – Fleeceflowers |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Mid,Late)Fall |
| Height | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
| Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
| Spacing | 30″ – 36″ (75cm – 90cm) |
| Water Needs | Average |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Chalk, Loam, Sand |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained |
| Characteristics | Showy, Semi-Evergreen |
| Tolerance | Deer, Rabbit |
| Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Beds and Borders, Ground Covers, Ponds and Streams |
| Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow |