Persicaria microcephala - Red Dragon Persicaria

Family: Polygonaceae

Common Name(s): Red dragon persicaria 

Native to: Eurpope and Asia

Flowering: Summer-Autumn

Watering: Water in well at planting time and then on an occasional basis to promote growth

Planting Aspect: Full Sun, Part Shade

Preferred Climate:

 

Temperate, Subtropical, Grassland

Description

A most interesting and beautiful perennial because of its pointy heart-shaped leaves with a silvery V-shaped marking and bronzed centre. The leaf colouring changes from deep maroon with a silvery-white V in spring, to darker green with a maroon V-shape in summer. The smooth purple stems also provide unusual interest with sprays of tiny creamy-white flowers appearing in clusters above the foliage in summer and autumn. It has an open, rounded habit and can be grown in either containers or in sunny garden borders. It is non-running and therefore not invasive. Grows to 60cm high and wide.

Cultivation

Choose a sunny to partially shady position with any average, moist, free draining soil. Prepare the growing site by digging over the soil and adding a good handful of blood and bone, rich compost or well decayed animal manure prior to planting out. Feed every spring as new growth is made. Water in well at planting time and then on an occasional basis to promote growth. No particular pests or diseases. May need support with stakes when in full growth, but can be trimmed back a bit at any time when needed. The plant can be pruned back hard in late winter to allow the new leaves to develop.