Rumex sanguineus Bloody Sorrel
Best ornamental choice for gardeners with damp or clay-heavy soil.
Rumex sanguineus, commonly known as Bloody Sorrel or Red-Veined Dock, is a striking perennial prized for its beautiful foliage. It features long, rippled green leaves deeply veined with reddish-purple, forming an attractive rosette. This plant thrives in full sun to light shade and prefers moist to wet, moderately fertile soils, including clay. It can even be used as a bog plant or in shallow water, making it versatile for various garden settings. Its evergreen nature provides year-round interest.
$13.95
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1781
/ 2713
#1781 in Plants
Price vs Category Average
-68%
Below average
Zones
58
/ -
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-impact, colorful foliage for edible landscapes
- Home chefs looking for a bright, citrusy punch in recipes
- Novice gardeners wanting a low-maintenance, resilient perennial plant
Who should skip it
- Gardeners with limited space or strict landscape maintenance schedules
- Individuals with specific dietary restrictions regarding oxalate intake
- Cooks who prefer subtle, mild flavors over bold, acidic profiles
Performance breakdown
Visual Impact
Striking red-veined foliage creates an immediate focal point in any garden.
Soil Adaptability
Thrives in heavy clay and wet conditions where other plants struggle.
Year-Round Interest
Evergreen leaves ensure the garden maintains color throughout the winter months.
Versatility
Equally effective in traditional borders or as a bog garden accent.
Ecological Value
Serves as a vital larval host, actively supporting local butterfly populations.
Maintenance Ease
A resilient perennial that requires minimal intervention once established in soil.
Key Specs
Zones
5-8
Light Requirements
Full Sun to Light Shade
Soil Preference
Moderately fertile, Moist to wet soil including clay
Height at Maturity
12-18 inches
Width at Maturity
12-18 inches
Bloom Time
Summer
Evergreen
Features
- Beautiful foliage with deep reddish-purple veins
- Tolerates clay soil and moist to wet conditions
- Can be used as a bog plant or in shallow water
- Evergreen for year-round visual appeal
- Larval host for butterflies
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the exceptional quality of Rumex sanguineus Bloody Sorrel from Rare Roots. Many highlight the robust health of the plants upon arrival or the impressive germination rates of the seeds, leading to vigorous growth. The ease of cultivation is frequently noted, with gardeners appreciating how readily this distinctive sorrel establishes itself and thrives, even for those new to growing specialty herbs. This product reliably delivers on its promise of a unique and beautiful addition to any garden.
Know before you buy
While Bloody Sorrel thrives in moist to wet conditions, it is quite versatile. It performs well in standard garden soil as long as it remains consistently hydrated and does not dry out completely.
Yes, Rumex sanguineus is hardy in zones 5-8. Because it is evergreen, it will maintain its foliage throughout the winter in these climates, providing color even when other plants go dormant.
It prefers full sun to light shade. While it can tolerate some shade, providing it with at least a few hours of direct sunlight will help ensure the most vibrant, deep reddish-purple contrast in the veins.
Absolutely. It is an excellent choice for boggy areas or shallow water settings. Its ability to handle wet, heavy soils like clay makes it a reliable option for spots where other perennials might struggle with root rot.
Yes, it serves as a larval host plant for certain butterfly species. By incorporating it into your landscape, you are providing a necessary habitat for the early life stages of these pollinators.
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