Rumex sanguineus (Bloody dock, Red-veined dock, Bloody sorrel)

Rumex sanguineus Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais

(Based on 2 user reviews)

Rate this plant

Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Rumex sanguineus ROO-meks san-GWIN-ee-us Common Name: Bloody dock, Red-veined dock, Bloody sorrel Genus: Rumex
Red-veined dock is a taprooted perennial with a rosette of leaves distinctively marked with deep red or purple veins. It is grown mostly as a foliage plant or ornamental vegetable, but it also produces erect stems of tiny, star-shaped green flowers that turn reddish brown. These are followed by dark brown fruit. Native to Europe, northern Africa, and southwest Asia.
Noteworthy characteristics: Leaves are intricately veined in blood-red or dark purple. All parts may cause mild stomach upset if eaten, and contact with the foliage may irritate skin.   
Care: Grow in full sun and moderately fertile, well-drained soil.
Propagation: Sow seeds in situ in spring. Self-seeds freely.
Problems: Slugs, snails, rust, smut, and leaf spots.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 6 in. to 12 in.
Growth Habit Clumps
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Adaptable
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Bloom Time Early Summer; Summer
Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Flower Color Red Flower
Uses Beds and Borders
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest
Type Perennials

Plants you might also like

Dianthus deltoides Dianthus deltoides
(Maiden pink)
(1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This mat-forming species with dark green leaves is one of the easiest to grow.  Blossoms range from white to red and are usually single and without fragrance. Use as bedding or in rock gardens.

Astilbe chinensis var. pumila Astilbe chinensis var. pumila
(1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This is a dwarf astilbe with attractive red-green leaves and reddish pink flowers in broad, dense conical groups. Its blooms appear mostly in summer.

Tiarella 'Mint Chocolate' Tiarella 'Mint Chocolate'
(Foam flower)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This clump-forming variety has unusually long, maple-shaped leaves with a chocolate-colored overlay. It is topped in spring by 16-inch spires of pink buds which yield to wispy, starlike ivory flowers. Plants rebloom lightly, so they can flower from spring to mid-summer. 'Mint Chocolate' grows to about 16 inches tall and a foot wide.

Sisyrinchium graminoides Sisyrinchium graminoides
(Blue-eyed grass)
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This clump forming, semi-evergreen, grass-like perennial blooms in summer, with a long succession of yellow-centered blue flowers. It grows to 20 inches high and 6 inches wide, and self-sows easily.

Dianthus deltoides 'Arctic Fire' Dianthus deltoides 'Arctic Fire'
(Maiden pink)
(1 user review)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This mat-forming species with narrow, dark green leaves is one of the easiest to grow. Blossoms with red eyes open in early summer and may rebloom if sheared back after flowering.