About
This hardy, clump-forming perennial herb with edible, sour-tasting, oblong leaves, arrow-shaped, 7-15cm long at the base. Small reddish flowers are produced in early summer in a narrow panicle or raceme up to 1.2m tall.
About the genus
Rumex can be annuals, biennials or perennials with mostly basal, simple leaves and erect panicles or racemes of small greenish or reddish flowers followed by reddish-brown, triangular fruits
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Herbs - Culinary
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
Native toN Temperate Arctic Regions
ToxicityHarmful if eaten in large amounts. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 41753,campanula-rapunculus,Campanula rapunculus,rampion,This upright biennial
Care notes
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil, in full sun. The plant self-seeds and deep tap roots may be difficult to eradicate or control. Young leaves can be eaten raw or added to salads, or boiled similar to spinach to accompany meals. See sorrel cultivation for more advice
PruningCut back after flowering. Cut back prior to seed setting to avoid self-seeding
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free