Red-veined dock (Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus)

Overview

Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus, commonly sought after as Red-veined dock, is prized primarily for its captivating foliage display. This tap-rooted perennial forms a rounded clump featuring medium green, lance-shaped leaves conspicuously marked with striking red to purple veins, making it an excellent decorative accent. While grown primarily as an ornamental, the young leaves of Rumex sanguineus var. sanguinesus are also edible, adding color and a mild, spinach-like flavor to salads when harvested young. It is relatively easy to cultivate, thriving in full sun and requiring only medium moisture levels, though consistently moist soil ensures the best performance for this vibrant plant.

This variety, compared to wilder relatives, is often favored by ornamental gardeners for its predictable coloration and manageable size, typically reaching about 18 inches tall and wide in a leafy rosette. Although it eventually produces tiny flowers atop reddish stems in early summer, the main garden appeal remains the persistent red veining throughout the season. Gardeners should note that Rumex sanguineus var. Sanguineus readily self-seeds, an important consideration for planning its placement within the landscape.

As a low-maintenance herbaceous perennial, Red-veined dock anchors well in herbaceous borders or mixed plantings, offering textural contrast to finer-leaved neighbors. Its unique coloring ensures that even when blooming is complete, the plant remains an engaging specimen, especially suitable for spots receiving direct sunlight where its pigmentation intensifies.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Polygonaceae
• Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
• Native Range: Europe, southwestern Asia, northern Africa
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 5-8
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 1-1.5 ft
  • Spread: 1-1.5 ft
• Bloom Time: June to July
• Bloom Description: Green maturing to reddish-brown
• Sun Exposure: Full sun
• Water Needs: Medium
• Maintenance Level: Low

How to Grow

Planting Red-veined dock should occur in spring, either by direct seeding or using transplants. Though it tolerates average, well-drained soil, Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus performs best when soil moisture is consistent; never allow the soil to completely dry out. Full sun exposure is key to developing the brightest red coloration in the leaf veins.

Ongoing care for Rumex sanguineus var. Sanguineus is generally low. While it appreciates medium moisture, ensure the ground does not become waterlogged. No specific fertilization schedule is typically required if grown in average garden loam. Gardeners should be aware that this plant readily self-seeds, which can lead to it appearing invasive if not managed.

To encourage denser, bushier leaf growth and prevent unwanted self-seeding, actively remove the flower stalks as soon as they emerge in early summer. Furthermore, older leaves may fade and lose their intense venation over time; trimming off these older leaves will stimulate the production of fresh, brightly colored new growth. While rated hardy for Zone 6, plants have often survived colder winters down to Zone 4, allowing for flexibility in northern gardens. Propagation is easily achieved either through seed or simple division of established clumps.

Landscape Uses

The bold, architectural foliage of Red-veined dock makes it an excellent structural element in the garden. It is highly recommended as an attractive ornamental accent in herbaceous or mixed borders where its contrast against soft grasses or finely textured perennials is maximized. Since it maintains a relatively neat, clumping habit (up to 1.5 ft wide), it fits well at the front or middle of a border without overcrowding neighbors.

Beyond traditional borders, Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus is adaptable to specialized settings. It performs admirably when grown in containers or as a marginal plant near a pond edge, provided excellent drainage is maintained. Consider interplanting Red-veined dock alongside plants that prefer similar sun and water conditions, such as ornamental grasses or plants with purple/blue flowers that complement the leaf veins. It also serves a dual role when incorporated into dedicated herb or vegetable plots for harvesting the young, edible leaves.

Standout Features

Flower Qualities

• Showy

Noteworthy Characteristics

Rumex sanguineus, known by a number of different common names including bloody dock or red-veined dock, is a tap-rooted rosette-forming perennial of the buckwheat family that typically grows in a rounded foliage clump to 18” tall and as wide. It is primarily grown as a decorative foliage accent to showcase its oblong to lance-shaped medium green leaves (to 6” long) which are prominently veined with contrasting red to purple. The young leaves of this plant are edible and add interesting color and a spinach-like taste to salads, though consumption should be moderated. Var. Sanguineus is noted for having bright red to purple leaf veins, distinguishing it readily in cultivation.

Tolerances

No specific tolerance data was provided for this plant beyond general hardiness zones.

Potential Problems

Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus is generally robust, facing no serious ongoing insect or disease pressure when sited correctly. The primary pests to watch for are common garden mollusks, specifically snails and slugs, which may feast on the tender young foliage, especially in damp conditions. Culturally, gardeners must be vigilant about moisture management; root rot can occur if soils are perpetually soggy, while severe drought will stress the plant and diminish its colorful display. Preventative action, such as applying slug bait or removing sheltering debris, can manage mollusk issues effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Red-veined dock suitable for?

Red-veined dock is reliably hardy in USDA Plant Zones 5 through 8.

How large does Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus grow?

Mature size for Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus is generally between 1 to 1.5 feet tall and 1 to 1.5 feet wide, forming a neat, rounded clump.

What sun exposure does Red-veined dock need?

This plant requires full sun exposure to achieve the most vibrant, high-contrast red venation in its leaves.

When does Rumex sanguineus var. Sanguineus bloom?

Flowering occurs from June to July, producing small flowers that start green maturity to a reddish-brown hue.

Conclusion

The dramatic foliage of Red-veined dock, underscored by the strong crimson markings of Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus, offers reliable, low-maintenance structure and color to the garden throughout the season. Its dual use as an ornamental specimen and an edible green adds significant value, provided you manage its propensity to self-seed. Before planting, ensure your location provides full sun and consistent moisture, confirming that this striking perennial is suited for zones 5-8 in your area.

Companion Planting with Red-veined Dock

Due to its full sun requirements and need for medium, consistent moisture, pair Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus neighbors with similar cultural needs. Excellent companions include plants that offer textural contrast, such as finely cut ferns (in modestly moist conditions) or silvery foliage plants like Lamb’s Ears (Stachys byzantina), although the latter may require slightly less water. Consider using its bold structure near bright white or yellow-flowering perennials, which make the dark red leaf veins of the Red-veined dock really pop. Avoid planting directly next to rampant spreaders, as some other Rumex species can become aggressive weeds.

Propagation Tips for Rumex sanguineus var. Sanguineus

The most straightforward method of increasing your stock of Rumex sanguineus var. sanguineus is via seed. Seeds can be sown directly into the garden in spring where you wish them to grow, as the plant establishes easily. For maintaining true variegation, however, division is the preferred method for established, non-seeding plants. In early spring or fall, carefully lift larger clumps of Red-veined dock and divide the root mass into smaller sections, ensuring each division has adequate root structure attached.