Persicaria microcephala
Knotweed ‘Red Dragon’ · Dragons tongue · Small-headed Knotweed · Knotweed
Description
Source: wikipedia (CC BY-SA)Persicaria microcephala, the small-headed knotweed, is a species of flowering plant in the family Polygonaceae. It is native to the Himalayas, and central and southern China, and it has been introduced to Great Britain. Its cultivar 'Red Dragon' has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
🌳 The colorful foliage of small-headed knotweed is chiefly used in ornamental gardens, giving them an aesthetic appeal that enhances garden landscapes. Moreover, when introduced into erosion-prone areas, its dense, mat-forming growth habit can stabilize soil, helping to mitigate erosion and support land rehabilitation.
Care Guide
💧 Water
Small-headed knotweed thrives in consistently moist soil and prefers to be watered weekly. While it can tolerate short dry spells, it benefits from natural rainfall and requires additional watering during extended dry periods. Its robust root system makes it efficient in utilizing water, making it suitable for regions with variable precipitation.
☀️ Light Partial sun
For healthy development, the small-headed knotweed depends on moderate sunlight. It neither needs nor prospers in intense light. In its natural habitat it grows in dappled light. Excessive exposure can be damaging, while insufficient light leads to weak, stunted growth.
🌡️ Temperature 10–35°C
Small-headed knotweed comes from areas that experience variable temperature ranges. It thrives in temperatures from 50 to 95 °F (10 to 35 °C). Monitor the local climate and, when necessary, supply supplemental heating or natural shade.
💨 Humidity
🪴 Soil 6-7
🌱 Fertilizer
A single spring application of fertilizer is generally enough for Small-headed knotweed, though repeated feedings can boost growth. Apply every month to six weeks. Fertilizing improves leaf appearance and function, helping maintain even color and a healthy texture. It also encourages root development and nutrient uptake, supporting the plant’s long-term health.
🪴 Pot & Repot
✂️ Pruning
To promote the growth and shape of small-headed knotweed, light pruning is beneficial from early to late spring. Important steps include removing any damaged stems and thinning out crowded sections to improve air circulation. Regular pruning not only enhances the plant's vitality and appearance but also reduces the need for frequent maintenance.
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Herb
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Persicaria
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 6-9
- Mature Height
- 61 cm to 91 cm
- Mature Spread
- 61 cm to 91 cm
- Leaf Color
- Green, Silver, Purple, Bronze
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- White, Pink
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm to 5.08 cm
- Bloom Time
- Early summer, Mid summer
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer
- Native Area
- Nepal, India, Vietnam, Bhutan, Bangladesh, China