About
A vigorous, tap-rooted perennial with pointed, wavy-edged leaves and tall, stiff flowering stems supporting a narrow column of very small, reddish green flowers, the stem and seeds turning rich brown in autumn and persisting into winter.
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, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectEast-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens, Wildflower meadow
ToxicityHarmful if eaten in large amounts. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten in large amounts - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrows naturally in most soils and found particularly in grassland, road verges, waste areas and cultivated ground. Can be a persistent agricultural weed, but is an important wildlife food source so can be tolerated in less-cultivated parts of the garden. Act promptly in areas where docks are not wanted as young plants are easy to remove. See docks for more information
PruningCut back prior to seed setting to avoid self-seeding
PropagationSpreads readily by seed; root sections also regrow
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free