Rumex sanguineus

Also Known As

Rumex sanguineus atrosanguineus
Rumex sanguineus ssp. sanguineus
Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus
Beet Leaf Sorrrel
Blood Dock
Bloodwort
Bloody Dock
Bloody Sorrel
Red Veined Dock
Red-veined Dock

Plant type

perennial, herb

size

H: 2'-3'
W: 12"-18"

planting zones

5a-10b

More Options

Rumex sanguineus plant details

Rumex sanguineus is a broadleaf deciduous or semi-evergreen perennial herb with green, red and variegated foliage. In summer chartreuse and green flowers emerge followed by brown fruit. Grows well with sun - bright shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Rumex sanguineus

Plant type: perennial herb
Plant family: polygonaceae
Foliage: deciduous or semi-evergreen green, red and variegated
Mature size: 12 IN - 18 IN - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: chartreuse and green blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, cutting garden, distinctive veining, dried-arrangements, edible, foliage plant, showy

GROWING CONDITIONS for Rumex sanguineus

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular

Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Bloody dock looks like an unremarkable plant that figured out how to doll itself up in order to earn a place in the garden. It surely is a fun foliage plant for use in the garden, containers and salads. Rippled green leaves have distinctive, attractive, reddish purple venation. Panicles of tiny, star-shaped flowers in late summer. Can reseed lightly. Related to sorrel, the leaves are edible, if rubbery and not with much flavour. However, use a small amount to add incredible contrast to mixed salads.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

A clump forming perennial, Bloody Dock Rumex has light green leaves with deep red veins. Popular as a border plant, the flowers appear in mid summer on 30' spikes which are red (similar in appearance to Heuchera clumps). The young leaves are edible and often used in salads or other foods where spinach might otherwise be used, although some people find the plant bitter.

Plants look their best when the leaves are pruned to the ground in early spring, as the fresh leaves have the best color.

By: Red Panda Nursery

An evergreen, clumping perennial, with a woody rootstock, grown for it's attractive red veined, large green, simple leaves. Small star shaped, green then brown flowers are produced on many branched vertical stems in summer. Needs a moist situation, although it will survive dry periods by shedding it's leaves. Ideal for areas that are constantly damp or prone to flooding, such as under a tap or other such difficult places. An excellent plant for the bog garden. In our climate it rarely flowers, I have yet to see it, but if it does, removal of the spent flower stems is all the maintenance necessary. An extremely tough plant that's not about to set the world on fire, but it does have a subtle charm, and I would never be without it. A quite achiever.

By: Zephs

A clumping perennial for sun to part shade. Sword shaped leaves with red veining mounding to 18"x18". Hardy zones 6-10 . Likes evenly moist soil.

By: Accents for Home and Garden

Beet Leaf Sorrrel is grown for it's colorful red veined foliage. Flowers are inconsequential! 8-10" x 10".

By: Avant Gardens

"Wow, what is that?!" we often hear when visitors come upon this outstanding foliage plant in our gardens. A superb alternative to grasses or for those who feel "grass impaired," this distinctive plant makes an excellent foliar accent -- a fundamental ingredient to a fabulous garden! Long lived, evergreen (in zones 9-10) and carefree, it makes an 18" x 18" nicely formed clump. Outstanding sword-shaped leaves are highlighted by beautiful red veining and are an especially excellent foil for red or blue bloomers. New leaves can be eaten like spinach. Cut off any (boring) flower stalks so more energy goes into foliage and cut back to the ground for fresh new growth. Can also be grown as an aquatic.