Rumex thyrsiflorus
Rumex thyrsiflorus · Polygonaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant rumex thyrsiflorus: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- Spring to early summer (May-June)
- Mature size
- 0.60 to 1.00 m in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Hardy (-15°C approximately)
- Origin
- Europe, Mediterranean basin
- Soil type
- Moist, well-drained, tolerant soils
Care
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist, especially during spring growth and flowering. Gradually reduce watering in late summer. Avoid prolonged waterlogging which could promote root rot, while keeping the soil fresh during the active growing period.
Exposure
Prefer a partially shaded or sunny location depending on your local climate. In warm regions, light afternoon shade is beneficial. Too much shade slows growth and flowering.
Pruning and cutting
Remove faded flowers to encourage prolonged flowering. In late autumn or early winter, cut back the clump to ground level to tidy up and promote vigorous growth in spring. Remove diseased or damaged leaves throughout the season.
Soil
Thrives in soils rich in organic matter, moist but well-drained. Add compost or well-rotted manure at planting time. Tolerant of soil type (chalky, neutral or slightly acidic), it adapts well to different terroirs.
Fertilizer
A moderate application of balanced fertilizer in spring is usually sufficient. For poor soils, add a layer of compost at the start of the season. Avoid excessive fertilization which would stimulate overly dense foliage at the expense of flowering.
Diseases and pests
Generally robust, sorrel with ear-shaped leaves can be affected by rusts or leaf spots in case of stagnant humidity. Ensure good air circulation and avoid wetting the foliage. Major pests are rare on this species.
Did you know?
The Rumex genus, to which ear-leaved sorrel belongs, was already known to the Ancients for its nutritive properties and culinary uses. Its spikes of small reddish or pink flowers long attracted the attention of botanists for the complexity of their reproductive structure, particularly the development of the tepals that envelop the fruits.
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
- SorrelRumex acetosa
- Pink knotweedPersicaria capitata
- Mile-a-minute vineFallopia baldschuanica
- RhubarbRheum rhabarbarum
- Maidenhair vineMuehlenbeckia complexa
- Red bistortBistorta amplexicaulis
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.