Smartweed, Knotweed
Persicaria Microcephala 'Red Dragon'
Overview
Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon' is a striking ornamental perennial featuring chevron-patterned leaves in shades of burgundy, green, and silver. Mature specimens reach up to 3 feet in height and spread 2 to 4 feet wide. This hardy plant thrives in USDA zones 4-7, preferring partial shade and moist soil. Its tiny, pinkish-white blooms appear in late summer, attracting pollinators. Ideal for adding contrast and color to borders and waterside plantings.
Culture
- Sun
- Full, Half
- Water
- Low, Medium
- USDA zones
- 6–9
Shape & size
Classification
- Type
- Perennial
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Climate
- Temperate
See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.
Start your 14-day trialPhotos (115)
























Photographs by 11 contributors
- Stefan.lefnaer, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Andrey Zharkikh from Salt Lake City,…, CC BY 2.0 · source
- Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Ruppia2000, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Crusier, CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
- John Rusk from Berkeley, CC BY 2.0 · source
- Er1kksen~commonswiki, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Peterwchen, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
- Георгий Виноградов (Georgy Vinogradov), CC BY 4.0 · source
- Superior National Forest, CC BY 2.0 · source
Related plants

Ground cover
Ashyleaf Buckwheat
Eriogonum Cinereum

Ground cover
Bellflower
Persicaria Campanulata

Perennial
Bistort, Pink Bistort
Persicaria Bistorta 'Superba'

Shrub
California Buckwheat
Eriogonum Fasciculatum

Ground cover
Coastal Buckwheat
Eriogonum parvifolium

Vine
Coral Vine, Queen's Wreath
Antigonon Leptopus