Water dock
Rumex hydrolapathum · Polygonaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant water dock: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- June to August
- Adult size
- 80 to 150 cm tall
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- Temperate Europe, wetland areas
- Soil type
- Rich, moist to waterlogged
Care
Watering
This water-loving plant thrives in constantly moist soils, even partially submerged conditions. During summer, maintain regular watering to prevent the soil from drying out completely. When planted by a pond or in marshy areas, natural watering is usually sufficient.
Exposure
Install this plant in full sun or partial shade for optimal growth. A sunny location encourages denser flowering, while partial shade suits regions with very hot summers.
Soil and substrate
Choose soil rich in organic matter, well-structured and consistently moist. This plant thrives particularly well near watercourses, ditches and natural wetlands. Adding compost in spring promotes its vigor.
Pruning and cutting
Remove faded flower heads after flowering to prevent excessive self-seeding. In late autumn or early spring, cut back the aerial parts to ground level to encourage vigorous new shoots.
Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer applied once or twice in spring is generally sufficient, except in very depleted soil. Prefer well-decomposed compost over concentrated synthetic formulations.
Diseases and pests
Few phytosanitary problems on an established plant. In case of excessive stagnant moisture, watch out for root rot; improve drainage if needed. Aphids may occasionally colonize young shoots without causing major damage.
Did you know?
Water dock, with its large wavy leaves and winged seeds, was traditionally used in marshy regions to stabilize banks with its robust root system. Its name "Rumex" comes from Latin and literally means "lance," referring to the characteristic pointed shape of its leaves.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.