Perplexed by persicaria
Q What is this plant, and does it need special winter care? Mrs Pigeon (via email)
A The mystery plant is Persicaria ‘Red Dragon’. A fully hardy, shadeloving stalwart and superb drought resister, its brightly coloured leaves are fabulous. It has no vices and romps in sandy or heavy clay soils.
Easily propagated from divisions of the rootstock in spring, when basal buds are bursting, it makes a garden look extremely special.