About this cultivar:
Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon' was discovered as a naturally occurring mutant seedling that appeared in a crop of Persicaria microcephela being grown for medicinal purposes in Nanjing, China. The first asexual reproduction of ‘Red Dragon’ occurred in April of 1997 when Greg Speichert took cuttings of this new plant in Indiana, USA.
The species name comes from Greek meaning small-headed in reference to flower size. In comparison to species 'Red Dragon' is distinguished by having red stems and leaves which emerge purple-brown, turning silver-purple, and finally green with maturity. Also forms a nice clump! Has the usual white flowers of the species.
- Position: Full sun, partial shade
- Soil: Almost any soil, grows well in Ballyrobert
- Flowers: July, August, September, October
- Other features: Bees and Butterflies
- Hardiness: H5 - Hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10°C), Fully hardy, grows well in Ballyrobert
- Habit: Clump forming
- Foliage: Semi evergreen
- Height: 60 - 90 cm (2 - 3 ft)
- Spread: 60 - 90 cm (2 - 3 ft)
- Time to full growth: 2 to 5 years
- Plant type: Herbaceous Perennial
- Colour: Green, red, white
- Goes well with: --
About this genus:
Persicaria is a genus of flowering plants in the knotweed family (Polygonaceae). Plants of the genus are known commonly as smartweeds, knotweed, fleece flower, or buckwheat. It has a cosmopolitan distribution, with species occurring nearly worldwide. The genus was recently segregated -so many of you old folk probably know it as Polygonum!
The genus Persicaria has many weedy species and somewhat of a bad reputation. However, as with any family, there are always some good members. We think we have found them!
Persicaria leaves are often multi-coloured and often marked with dark centers and silver chevrons. This versatile genus will most likely grow anywhere that isn't a pond or a dark room. Other than an occasional haircut Persicaria is a low maintenance plant, that seems to look at home anywhere you plant it.