Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Rumex sanguineus
Red Veined Sorrel
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Height
- 12 to 18 inches
- Width
- 12 to 18 inches
- Flower color
- Small greenish red flowers held on airy upright stems
- Foliage color
- Bright green leaves prominently veined in deep red to burgundy
- Bloom time
- Summer
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate moisture in well drained soil with tolerance for occasional dry periods
- Maintenance
- Low; remove flower stalks to prevent self seeding and cut back older leaves to encourage fresh growth
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 5 to 9
- Wildlife
- Attracts pollinating insects
About this plant
Rumex sanguineus forms upright clumps of elongated green leaves boldly traced with deep red veining that radiates from the central midrib. The smooth, slightly glossy foliage provides color and texture from spring onward. In early to midsummer, slender stems rise above the leaves bearing airy clusters of small greenish to reddish flowers that mature to papery seed heads.
Native to Europe and western Asia, the species has naturalized in many temperate regions. In gardens, it is valued for ornamental foliage in borders, kitchen gardens, and naturalistic plantings, where the vivid veining adds contrast among perennials and grasses.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Waterwise Gardens · Containers
Companion plants
Sedums · Columbines · Lungworts · Daylilies · Japanese anemones · Bleeding hearts
Design tip
Summer flowers carry the middle of the season, so place it where the bed needs color once spring bulbs fade. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.
