About
Rumex sanguineus, the wood dock, is a tap-rooted, herbaceous perennial producing a rosette of mid- to dark-green, oblong leaves with conspicuous, dark-red veins. In early summer, branched, upright flower stems carry tiny, star-shaped, green then red flowers, followed by dark-brown fruit. A rewarding ornamental foliage plant for a shaded, moist border.
About the genus
Rumex, the docks and sorrels, are annuals, biennials and perennials with mostly basal, simple leaves and erect panicles or racemes of small, greenish or reddish flowers followed by reddish-brown, triangular fruits. Some are ornamental, others edible.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toEurope N Africa SW Asia
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
CultivationGrow in any well-drained soil, in full sun
PruningCut back after flowering to avoid self-seeding
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free