What Are the Different Types of Silver Dragon Plant

The Silver Dragon plant, also known as the Silver Lace Vine or Polygonum aubertii, is a beautiful and versatile plant that can add a touch of elegance to any garden or landscape. With its delicate silvery foliage and cascading growth habit, it is a popular choice among gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike. However, many people may not be aware that there are actually several different types of Silver Dragon plants available. In this article, we will explore some of the most common varieties and their unique characteristics.

1. Silver Dragon Vine (Polygonum aubertii)

The Silver Dragon Vine is the most well-known and widely cultivated variety of the Silver Dragon plant. It is a fast-growing, deciduous vine that can reach heights of up to 30 feet. The leaves of this variety are heart-shaped and have a distinctive silver color, giving the plant its name. It produces clusters of small, white flowers in late summer or early fall, which are highly attractive to bees and butterflies.

One of the main advantages of the Silver Dragon Vine is its ability to quickly cover unsightly fences or walls with its dense foliage. It also makes an excellent choice for creating privacy screens or shade in the garden. Additionally, this variety is relatively low maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions.

2. Variegated Silver Dragon (Polygonum aubertii ‘Variegatum’)

The Variegated Silver Dragon is a striking cultivar of the Silver Dragon plant with leaves that feature a variegated pattern of green and white. This variegation adds an extra element of visual interest to the plant and makes it stand out in any garden setting. Like the standard Silver Dragon Vine, this variety can grow up to 30 feet in height and produces white flowers in late summer.

The Variegated Silver Dragon requires similar growing conditions to the standard variety. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soil. Regular pruning is recommended to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too unruly.

3. Silver Dragon Ground Cover (Polygonum aubertii ‘Silver Dragon’)

If you’re looking for a more compact and ground-hugging variety of the Silver Dragon plant, the Silver Dragon Ground Cover is an excellent choice. This low-growing cultivar features the same silvery foliage as its vine counterparts but only reaches a height of around 12 inches. It spreads quickly, forming a dense mat of foliage that effectively suppresses weeds.

The Silver Dragon Ground Cover is a great option for planting between stepping stones or along garden borders. Its cascading growth habit also makes it suitable for hanging baskets or containers. Like other Silver Dragon varieties, it prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade.

4. Silver Dragon Weeping Willow (Salix matsudana ‘Tortuosa’)

The Silver Dragon Weeping Willow is a unique and eye-catching variety that combines the elegance of the Silver Dragon plant with the graceful weeping habit of the weeping willow tree. Its slender branches cascade downward, creating a beautiful curtain of silver foliage. This variety is smaller in size compared to traditional weeping willows, making it suitable for smaller gardens or landscapes.

The Silver Dragon Weeping Willow thrives in moist soil and full sun to partial shade conditions. It requires regular pruning to maintain its shape and prevent it from becoming too leggy. This variety is particularly well-suited for planting near water features or in areas where its weeping branches can be showcased.

5. Miniature Silver Dragon (Polygonum aubertii ‘Minimus’)

For those who prefer a more compact version of the Silver Dragon plant, the Miniature Silver Dragon is an excellent choice. This variety only grows to a height of around 6 inches and forms a dense carpet of silver foliage. Despite its small size, it still retains the same delicate beauty as its larger counterparts.

The Miniature Silver Dragon is perfect for rock gardens, fairy gardens, or as a ground cover in small spaces. Its low-growing nature also makes it suitable for planting in between pavers or as a border plant. It requires well-drained soil and can tolerate full sun to partial shade conditions.

In conclusion, the Silver Dragon plant offers a wide range of options for gardeners and plant enthusiasts. Whether you prefer a fast-growing vine to cover walls, a variegated variety for added visual interest, a ground-hugging ground cover, or a weeping tree-like form, there is a Silver Dragon plant to suit your needs. Consider adding one or more of these stunning varieties to your garden to bring a touch of elegance and beauty to your outdoor space.