Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon' - KNOTWEED 'RED DRAGON'

Sterile, non-spreading and well-behaved perennial from China. Unique foliage with gray-silver chevron pattern, emerging very dark burgundy-red, with changing color through out the season.

'Red Dragon' forms vase-shaped clumps and is a relatively fast grower. The foliage color is richer in cooler climates, and the stems stay red. The flowers, which appear from mid- to late summer, are white and small, but attract butterflies. It looks best when used as a medium-sized shrub, especially if the companions are just simple-colored or green and don't disturb the unusual look of this knotweed. Good cut flower.

This cultivar was discovered as natural mutation among medicinal crop plants in Nanjing, China.

Blooming Time: July - August
Size: 3' tall x 2' wide
USDA Zones: 6 to 8
Culture: half shade or dappled sunshine (tolerates sunny location in cooler areas); tolerant and adaptable to soil, including clay and heavy soil
Moisture Needs: average to slightly moist soil
Origin: native to forests and grassy areas in China
Deer/Rabbit Resistant: yes / yes
Attracts Butterflies or Pollinators: yes / yes
Attracts Hummingbirds: no
Pot Size: square 3.5" x 4" deep perennial pot
Plant Combinations: Best combined with true shrubs or ground-covering perennials like Alchemilla, Chrysogonum, Hardy Geraniums (G. macrorrhizum, G. 'Rozanne'), Geum, and single-colored Hostas. Other good companions can be Aquilegia, Astrantia, Astilbe chinensis (or other Astilbe), Hemerocallis, Nepeta subsessilis, Phlox paniculata, other Persicaria, Physostegia or bigger grasses like Deschampsia, Hakonechloa, Pennisetum, Panicum, Molinia arundinacea or bigger Carex.
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