Overview

Rumex conglomeratus is a clump forming, columnar upright, creeping rhizomatous, tap-rooted herbaceous perennial in the genus Rumex, part of the Polygonaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Rumex conglomeratus grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4, H5, H6, H7. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, wildlife gardens, wildflower meadow and flower borders and beds.

About

Rumex conglomeratus, commonly known as clustered dock or sharp dock, is a herbaceous perennial in the Polygonaceae family. This clump-forming plant has a columnar upright habit with creeping rhizomes and a taproot, producing deciduous, primarily basal leaves. It thrives in full sun or partial shade and adapts to a variety of soil types including chalk, clay, loam, and sand, with a preference for fertile, moist conditions. Flowering in summer and autumn, it displays upright panicles of small flowers that develop into reddish-brown, triangular fruits, making it suitable for cottage gardens, wildlife areas, and wildflower meadows.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Rumex

Sunlight

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil type

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained

Aspect

East-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H4, H5, H6, H7

Plant details

Rumex conglomeratus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Clump forming, Columnar upright, Creeping rhizomatous, Tap-rooted

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Rumex conglomeratus

Propagation

Seed

Pest resistance

Slugs, Aphids

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions