1 / 3

Key characteristics

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

Perennials

Rumex sanguineus

Red Veined Sorrel

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.

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Water

Moderate moisture in well drained soil with tolerance for occasional dry periods

Bloom time

Summer

Find this plant

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.

Printable plant sheet (PDF)