Polygonum microcephalum 'Red Dragon' (syn. Persicaria microcephala) - Red Dragon persicaria
Family Polygonaceae
Description:
About 150 to 300 species of Polygonum are found around the world, mostly in Asia, Europe and North America. They are herbaceous plants, sometimes growing to a large size. Some species are agricultural weeds. This may be why the nursery trade seems to prefer the name Persicaria. This is a clump-forming species native to Europe. This selection is cultivated for the distinctive red and silver pattern on the leaves. The new growth in spring is especially colorful. It grows to about eighteen to twenty-four inches tall. The flowers are not showy. They are borne in small clusters in late summer and autumn.
Size:
Herbaceous perennial to about twenty-four to thirty inches tall.
Care Instructions:
Light: part shade, shade
Water: moist soil, not very drought tolerant
Soil: adaptable to soil types, no other special requirements
This plant grows best in Jacksonville in a moist, shady spot. It may be grown as an accent or may be planted in mass as a groundcover in an irrigated shade garden. Reportedly, it will grow in full sun if the soil is consistently moist.