Care Disclaimer: Plant care recommendations are general guidelines based on common growing conditions. Individual results may vary based on your local environment, climate, and care routine. If your plant is toxic, keep it away from children and pets, and consult a veterinarian if accidental ingestion occurs.
1.Persicaria Red Dragon — Overview
Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon', commonly known as Persicaria Red Dragon or Knotweed 'Red Dragon', is a highly prized ornamental cultivar in the Polygonaceae family. This distinctive herbaceous perennial is celebrated for its extraordinary foliage. It presents lance-shaped leaves adorned with a deep, rich burgundy base. Overlaying this striking color is a captivating silver-gray or chartreuse chevron pattern. This pattern changes subtly throughout the growing season, creating dynamic visual interest.
The cultivar originated in China, where it was discovered as a natural mutation among medicinal crop plants in Nanjing. It is a sterile, non-spreading plant, which makes it a well-behaved addition to gardens. It typically forms vase-shaped clumps, reaching an average height of 2 to 3 feet and spreading about 2 feet wide. While it is grown primarily for its dramatic leaves, 'Red Dragon' also produces small, delicate white flowers from mid to late summer. These flowers are known to attract butterflies.
Its vigorous growth habit and adaptability to various conditions make it a versatile choice for gardeners seeking vibrant color and texture in their landscapes. The species Persicaria microcephala is native to forests and grassy areas of China. It thrives in environments that offer dappled light and consistent moisture.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Persicaria microcephala Red Dragon:
Persicaria Red Dragon should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Persicaria Red Dragon — Key Features
- Vibrant Foliage — Features dramatic deep burgundy leaves with distinctive silver or chartreuse chevron markings.
- Ornamental Value — Highly prized for its unique coloration and texture, enhancing garden aesthetics.
- Sterile Cultivar — Non-invasive and well-behaved, preventing unwanted spread in the landscape.
- Adaptable Growth — Tolerates a range of soil types, including clay, and performs well in partial shade to dappled sun.
- Low Maintenance — Requires minimal care once established, making it an easy-to-grow perennial.
- Deer and Rabbit Resistant — A practical choice for gardens prone to wildlife browsing.
- Butterfly Attractor — Small white flowers appear in mid to late summer, drawing pollinators.
- Container Friendly — Excellent for cultivation in pots and containers, offering versatile placement options.
- Compact Growth Habit — Forms neat, vase-shaped clumps, reaching up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide.
- Origin from China — Discovered as a natural mutation, highlighting its unique botanical heritage.
1.2.Persicaria Red Dragon — Quick Summary
- Striking ornamental perennial with unique burgundy leaves and silver chevron patterns.
- Sterile cultivar, non-spreading, ideal for vibrant garden and container displays.
- Thrives in partial shade to dappled sun, adaptable to various well-drained soils.
- Produces small white flowers in summer that attract butterflies.
- Primarily grown for aesthetic appeal; medicinal uses are associated with the general *Persicaria* genus, not this specific cultivar.
- Generally low maintenance, deer and rabbit resistant, and safe for ornamental use, but avoid ingestion.
2.Persicaria Red Dragon — Scientific Identity
3.Persicaria Red Dragon — Categories & Tags
4.Persicaria Red Dragon — Appearance & Identification
5.Persicaria Red Dragon — Water Requirements
- Cultivating *Persicaria microcephala* 'Red Dragon' is relatively straightforward, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of varying experience levels.
- Climate Zones — Thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 6 to 8, tolerating a range of temperate conditions.
- Light Requirements — Prefers half shade or dappled sunshine; it can tolerate sunnier locations in cooler climates but may exhibit less vibrant foliage color.
- Soil Preferences — Adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including clay and heavy soils, but performs best in well-drained, average to slightly moist conditions.
- Watering — Requires average moisture; ensure the soil remains consistently moist, especially during dry spells, but avoid waterlogging.
- Growth Habit — Forms attractive vase-shaped clumps, reaching about 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide, making it suitable for borders or as a specimen plant.
- Propagation — Typically propagated clonally through division or cuttings, as it is a sterile cultivar and does not spread by seed.
- Maintenance — Low maintenance; prune to shape or remove spent foliage as needed. It is deer and rabbit resistant, reducing common garden challenges.
- Container Growing — Excellent for containers, providing a striking focal point with its unique foliage.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
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Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
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Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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