Persicaria microcephala
🍃leaf (5)
🌸flower (5)
🌳bark (1)
🌿habit (5)

Persicaria microcephala

Knotweed ‘Red Dragon’ · Dragons tongue · Small-headed Knotweed · Knotweed

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: low Light: partial_sun
Temperature
10–35 °C
Soil pH
6–7
Hardiness
Zone 6–9
Click count
100
Observations
334

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.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ 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.

Ideal temperature: 10–35°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 6-7
Soil pH: 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

Tags (5)

Common Names (4)

en Knotweed ‘Red Dragon’
en Dragons tongue
en Small-headed Knotweed
en Knotweed