JENNYSGARDEN.COM
Your Subtitle text
JENNY'S GARDEN
Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon'
(Fleece Flower, Knotweed, Tovara)
Origin: Hybridizer, Speichert (1999)
Family: Polygonaceae
Light: Full sun-part shade
Height: 1-3'
Spacing: 1-2'
Blooms: White, small clusters, late Spring
Foliage: Showy, 4-6" long, variegated, herbaceous, plum-colored with red, silver, green, burgundy and mint chevron markings, borne on red straight stems
Soil: Well-drained, mildly acidic, neutral, mildly alkaline, tolerates drought/floods
Water: Regular-low
Uses: Foliage, shade garden, mass plant, coastal planting, container, floral arrangements
Propagation: Seeds, cuttings (Spring)
Insects/Disease: Watch for aphids, slugs, snails
Caution: Plant may cause skin irritation - wear gloves when handling
Comments: Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon' or Fleece Flower or Knotweed or Tovara is an exotic perennial with an upright, wide, airy, clumping growth habit. It is of hybrid origin by hybridizer Speichert (1999). Knotweed 'Red Dragon' has very showy variegated foliage that changes color from one season to another, making this an ideal foliage plant. In early or late Spring, the leaves of Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon' is lovely deep plum colored with burgundy, mint and silver colored chevrons and when it gets warmer in Summer, the foliage becomes greener with red leaf margins and red markings. In late Spring or early Summer, Fleece Flower produces interesting small clusters of white flowers, followed later by seeds. The freshly cut flowers make great floral arrangements. After flowering, trim the spent blossoms. Cut back foliage in Spring before new shoots appear. Knotweed is easily propagated from seeds or stem cuttings and performs best in mildly acidic, neutral or mildly alkaline soil, in a sunny to part shade location. Fertilize in Spring for optimum growth. Tovara self sows readily. Provide plenty of space for it to spread. Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon' tolerates drought conditions or flooding. Mass plant in borders for a delightful visual effect. Fleece Flower can also be container cultivated. Mulch to preserve moisture. Knotweed tolerates salt and is ideal for coastal planting. It is a superb showstopper.
USDA Zones: 5-8
JennysGarden.com...Plant information and growing conditions of perennial Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon' (Fleece Flower, Knotweed, Tovara) growing in Jenny's Garden with plant images
