The Royal Fleece Flower (Persicaria microcephala ‘Red Dragon’) is an eye-catching perennial known for its distinctive foliage. This cultivar offers unique visual appeal, making it a popular choice for vibrant color and textural interest in landscapes. Its striking appearance and straightforward cultivation contribute to its appeal, serving as an excellent focal point or colorful accent.
Characteristics of Royal Fleece Flower
Royal Fleece Flower is admired for its dramatic foliage, which undergoes a captivating color transformation. New leaves emerge purple-brown with a gray-brown to mint green chevron. As they mature, leaves transition to silver-purple before settling into greener tones with hints of burgundy and silver-gray. Deep red or maroon stems further enhance this colorful display.
This perennial exhibits a clump-forming habit, growing into a mounding shape rather than spreading aggressively. It typically reaches 2 to 3 feet in both height and width, though some specimens can grow up to 4 feet. Tiny white flowers appear in delicate sprays from mid-summer through early fall. Royal Fleece Flower is hardy in USDA Zones 4 through 9, demonstrating resilience across climates.
Planting and Care Guide
Site Selection and Soil
Royal Fleece Flower thrives in full sun to partial shade. In hotter climates, partial shade, especially protection from intense afternoon sun, is optimal. The plant adapts to various soil types, including loam, clay, and sand, but performs best in moist, moderately fertile, and well-drained conditions. It tolerates a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5, from moderately acidic to slightly alkaline.
Watering
Consistent moisture is important, especially during establishment and dry spells. Provide approximately one inch of water per week, through rainfall or irrigation, to keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. While it appreciates consistent hydration, the plant develops moderate drought tolerance once established. Regular watering promotes the healthiest, most vibrant foliage.
Fertilizing
Royal Fleece Flower is low-maintenance regarding nutrient needs. Applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring supports vigorous growth. Alternatively, incorporating compost or other organic matter as a topdressing provides beneficial nutrients. Over-fertilizing can lead to excessive, floppy growth.
Pruning
Pruning maintains the plant’s shape and encourages denser growth. A hard cutback in late winter or early spring, before new growth, rejuvenates the plant. Throughout the growing season, deadhead spent flowers and trim the plant to control size or spread. Removing dead or damaged stems supports overall plant health.
Winter Care
In colder hardiness zones, Royal Fleece Flower foliage dies back to the ground in winter. New growth emerges from the crown in spring. Applying a layer of mulch around the plant’s base in late fall provides insulation and protects the crown from extreme cold. In mild winter regions, foliage may remain semi-evergreen.
Addressing Common Challenges
Royal Fleece Flower is robust, experiencing few serious pest or disease issues. Gardeners might occasionally encounter slugs and snails, which chew on foliage. Monitoring plants regularly and using appropriate organic baits or barriers helps manage these pests.
Environmental factors can lead to plant stress. In intense summer heat and full sun, leaves may scorch or dull, indicating a need for afternoon shade. Poor growth or wilting occurs if subjected to prolonged dry conditions, highlighting consistent moisture’s importance. While the plant tolerates moist soil, prolonged waterlogging can lead to root rot. Ensuring well-draining soil and avoiding excessive watering are preventative.