Red Dragon Fleeceflower
Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
30 inches
Width
30 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Requires consistent moisture
Humidity
Average to high
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Himalayas
Toxicity
Mildly toxic to pets if ingested.
The Story
Plant Bio
A clump-forming, herbaceous perennial from the knotweed family, native to the Himalayas. It typically forms a mound of green, lance-shaped leaves on branching stems. In late summer, it produces small, rounded heads (microcephala means 'small head') of tiny white or pinkish flowers. 'Red Dragon' is prized for its dramatic foliage. The pointed, heart-shaped leaves are a mosaic of deep burgundy and mint green, with a bold, silvery chevron marking. The stems are a contrasting dark red. Tiny white flowers appear in late summer.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into moist soil in spring.
- Keep soil consistently moist during active growth period.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pinch back stems to encourage bushier growth.
- Divide every 2–3 years in early spring for rejuvenation.
- Enjoy colorful foliage from late spring through fall.
Pro Tip
Plant in well-drained, moist soil with partial sun for best foliage color.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in spring
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t fertilize in late fall
- Never cut back in late season to prevent winter damage
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pinch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Red Dragon Fleeceflower questions
What zones can Red Dragon Fleeceflower grow in?
Red Dragon Fleeceflower is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Red Dragon Fleeceflower deer resistant?
Yes — Red Dragon Fleeceflower is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Red Dragon Fleeceflower bloom?
Red Dragon Fleeceflower typically blooms in late summer to fall through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Red Dragon Fleeceflower need full sun?
Red Dragon Fleeceflower does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
More Persicaria to compare
Mountain Fleece Chinese Fleeceflower
Persicaria amplexicaulis
Mountain Fleece 'Firetail'
Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Firetail'
Taurus Mountain Fleece
Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Taurus'
Giant Fleeceflower
Persicaria polymorpha
White Mountain Knotweed
Persicaria amplexicaulis 'Alba'
Common Bistort
Persicaria bistorta 'Superba'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Red Dragon Fleeceflower with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
