Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon'PBR
knotweed 'Red Dragon'
A vigorous, perennial to 1.1m with bright young foliage, lance-shapedand purplish-green with a bold central splash of purple, bordered by a silver chevron marking. Tiny, rounded clusters of tiny white flowers appear in late summer and autumn. Although vigorous, does not spread. Suitable as a foliage plant in the middle of a shady flower border
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver Purple | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Grey Silver Purple | ||
| Autumn | White | Green Grey Silver Purple | ||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver Purple |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Trailing
- Genus
Persicaria can be annuals, herbaceous or evergreen perennials or sub-shrubs with simple leaves and small bell-shaped white or pink flowers in long-lasting spikes or panicles
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist soil in sun or part-shade. Dense groundcover, spreading less quickly than the species See https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/trials-awards for further information about RHS plant trials and awards
Propagation
Propagate by stem tip cuttings or by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Coastal
- Cottage and informal garden
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
Pruning
No pruning required. Cut back in autumn
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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