Rumex, commonly known as Red Vein Dock or simply Dock, is a genus of plants that belong to the family Polygonaceae. These evergreen perennials typically grow in clumps or rosettes and have vibrant red veins and striking foliage. Their elongated leaves, ranging from deep green to reddish-green, create an eye-catching display in gardens and landscapes.
Growing and Caring For Rumex
Most Rumex species prefer full to partial sun. Ample sunlight promotes healthy growth and foliage development. It also contributes to the production of flavorful leaves in culinary varieties. While some Rumex species can tolerate light shade, providing sufficient sunlight is essential for optimal performance and vitality.
Well-draining soil is a key factor in creating favorable conditions for Rumex. These plants appreciate soil that allows excess moisture to drain away, preventing waterlogged roots and potential fungal issues. Amending the soil with compost or organic matter helps improve drainage and soil structure, providing a nutrient-rich environment for robust growth. While Rumex can tolerate a range of soil types, maintaining soil pH levels around neutral (pH 6.0 to 7.0) is generally suitable for their cultivation.
Rumex needs consistent moisture, but it’s important to strike a balance to avoid overwatering. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry, and ensure the soil has good drainage. Proper watering practices contribute to healthy growth and leaf production, especially in culinary varieties where the leaves are prized for their tangy flavor. Applying mulch around Rumex plants helps conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and maintain a more stable soil temperature, enhancing their overall well-being.
Rumex can benefit from occasional fertilization to promote healthy growth, but excessive fertilizer application should be avoided. Pruning or deadheading the flowers of Rumex is not necessary for the plant’s overall health, but it can help maintain a neat appearance. If desired, spent flower stalks can be removed to prevent self-seeding and redirect energy toward foliage growth.
It’s important to note Rumex, while evergreen in Upstate South Carolina, does benefit from being cut back time to time to spur regrowth of its beautiful leaves that, as they age, may get rust or leaf spot. Note that while Rumex is susceptible to rust, it does not deleteriously affect the plant’s health and can actually enhance the leaf color.
Leaves and Flowers
Rumex leaves are typically lance-shaped or arrowhead-like, varying in size depending on the specific Rumex species. One notable feature is their vibrant green color, which contrasts the garden or natural landscape. The leaves often have a tangy or sour taste, a trait that adds culinary significance to certain varieties of Rumex.
The flowers of Rumex are relatively inconspicuous, typically arranged in panicles or clusters on tall, slender stems that rise above the foliage. The small, greenish or reddish flowers lack the showiness of some ornamental plants, but they play a crucial role in the plant’s reproductive cycle. Rumex is known for its dioecious nature, meaning male and female flowers are found on separate plants.
Our Selection of Rumex
At Martin Garden Center, we try to stock Rumex year-round in 4″ containers, as our vendors tend to grow it year-round and, just a reminder, it is a beautiful evergreen.