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Rumex flexuosus Copper Sword

Rumex flexuosus Copper Sword

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Variety of decorative sorrel with long and slender leaves with a serrated edge in a coppery bronze color. It is a hardy perennial vegetable plant, native to New Zealand, which can be grown in the ground or in a pot. In cooking, the raw or cooked leaves will bring a tangy flavor to your dishes. Give it a fertile garden soil that is slightly moist and somewhat acidic. This sorrel can tolerate the sun in very wet soil. Plant in spring or autumn, and harvest as needed.
Ease of cultivation
Amateur
Height at maturity
40 cm
Spread at maturity
40 cm
Exposure
Sun, Partial shade
Soil moisture
Moist soil
Best planting time April to May
Recommended planting time March to June
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Flowering time June to July
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Harvest time April to October
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Description

The Rumex flexuosus Copper Sword is an unusual variety of New Zealand sorrel, commonly known as Bronze Sorrel. This perennial plant forms a clump of about 40 cm (16in) composed of long leaves beautifully colored with copper bronze arranged in a somewhat disorderly manner. Very decorative, these leaves are also edible, like those of all sorrels grown in our vegetable gardens. Hardy and perennial, it is cultivated as a vegetable plant but also for balcony and garden ornamentation, or even in a wet rockery. In the kitchen, raw or cooked leaves will add a tangy note to your dishes. Plant it in spring or autumn and harvest as needed from March to October.

Bronze Sorrel is native to New Zealand and is hardy to approximately -15°C (5°F) (USDA zone 7). This plant belongs to the family Polygonaceae and naturally thrives in cool, humus-rich, and slightly acidic soil. In the sun, its foliage will be more colorful, but the soil should remain slightly moist at all times. Its long lanceolate leaves are bordered with rounded teeth and display beautiful brown to copper bronze hues. The plant flowers in June-July, with branched bronze-red floral stems adorned with tiny brown flowers. The slightly sour, slightly acidic flavor of the leaves is appreciated in cooking, and they can be prepared like spinach. They accompany meats and fish (especially salmon), soups, or omelettes. Cook the leaves in a stainless steel container because of their acidity. Its young and tender leaves are consumed raw in salads.

Bronze Sorrel can be grown in open ground or in a pot. Hardy, it remains in place for several years.

In ornamental gardens: Rumex Copper Sword pairs beautifully with yellow blooms: consider, for example, combining it with ligularia or Lysimachia nummularia.

Harvesting: Pick as needed, either when young or mature, from spring to frost. Harvest leaf by leaf, by hand or with a knife. If you want to extend the harvest into winter, protect the plants with tunnels or frames. Sorrel is a perennial plant that can remain in place for several years.

Storage: Sorrel leaves should be consumed immediately after harvest, as they do not keep well. However, they freeze very well after cooking.

Gardener's tip: To limit watering, we recommend mulching the soil with thin successive layers of clippings, if possible mixed with dead leaves. This protection, which keeps the soil moist, also reduces weeding.

Harvest

Harvest time April to October
Type of vegetable Leaf vegetable
Size of vegetable Small
Interest Flavour, Colour
Flavour Sour
Use Table, Cooking

Plant habit

Height at maturity 40 cm
Spread at maturity 40 cm
Growth rate normal

Foliage

Foliage persistence Semi-evergreen
Foliage colour bronze
Product reference173071

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Planting and care

Copper Sword Sorrel appreciates consistently slightly moist, rich, and loose soils. It prefers neutral or acidic soils. Install it in partial shade or in the sun, avoiding direct sunlight. Planting is done in spring (from March to May) or in autumn (September-October). 

In open ground : If necessary, add compost a few months before planting by scratching the soil 5 cm (2in) deep after loosening it. Space the plants 25 cm (10in) apart. Dig a hole (3 times the volume of the root ball), place the root ball, and cover with fine soil. Firmly press down and water to keep the soil moist.

Regularly weed and hoe, especially at the beginning of cultivation. Water in case of high temperatures. If your plants are eaten by slugs or snails, place ashes or coffee grounds nearby, to be renewed in case of rain. In early spring, apply compost on the surface.

In a pot: Place a layer of gravel at the bottom of the pot to facilitate drainage. Fill it with a mixture of potting soil and compost. Place the root ball, cover with soil, and firm it down.

Water regularly. Plan to repot every year. 

Cut the flower stalks to promote foliage development.

Sorrel can be propagated by dividing clumps in March-April. This operation is recommended every 3 to 4 years. Transplant it to another location in the garden to favor rotations and limit the risks of diseases or pests.

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Cultivation

Best planting time April to May
Recommended planting time March to June

Care

Soil moisture Wet
Disease resistance Good

Intended location

Type of use Container, Vegetable garden, Greenhouse
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Soil humus-bearing, well-drained
Exposure Sun, Partial shade
Soil pH Acidic, Neutral
Soil type Silty-loamy (rich and light), 130

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