Rumex sauvignea - Pond sorrel

Rumex sauvignea, known as Pond Dock, is a perennial plant with highly colourful leaves, perfect for beautifying the banks of ponds or lakes. This variety can also be planted under 10cm of water. Its leaves have dark red veins that stand out against the light green background of the lamina. In summer, this rumex produces cream-white flowering spikes that rise above the foliage. Plant it in spring, when the water warms up, to enjoy its beautiful leaves first, followed by its delicate flowers.

Rumex sauvignea belongs to the family of  Polygonaceae. Native to the northern hemisphere, this perennial species grows in wet, clayey soil at low altitudes. It develops deciduous foliage and forms an erect clump measuring between 0.40 and 0.60m in height, consisting of large lanceolate leaves emerging from the stump. The leaves are a tender green intensely veined with purple. Between July and September, it produces long floral stems, bearing numerous small cream-white inflorescences. This species of Rumex is not suitable for consumption.

Rumex sauvignea, a robust and frost-resistant plant, thrives in aquatic environments such as pond or lake banks. To create a balanced ensemble, you can associate it with plants suitable for banks or shallow waters, such as Lythrum salicaria (Purple Loosestrife), Primula florindae (Tibetan Primrose), Pontederia cordata, Asclepias incarnata, Lobelia cardinalis, Rumex sanguineus, Acorus calamus, Iris ensata 'Variegata' (Japanese Iris), and wetland grasses such as Carex pendula or Eriophorum angustifolium (Cotton Grass). It is also possible to cultivate Pond Dock in a pot by selecting a container that retains water well and positioning the plant ideally in full sun.