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Bloodwort Wood Dock | Rumex sanguineus

Bloodwort Wood Dock | Rumex sanguineus

Striking perennial with dark red-veined leaves and green flowers; enhances pond margins and bog gardens.

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SAVE £7.50 when you buy 1ltr - Pack of 3

Regular price £14.00
Regular price Sale price £14.00
Sale Back in 2025
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The Bloodwort Wood Dock (Rumex sanguineus), also known as Bloody Dock or Red-Veined Sorrel, is a striking perennial ideal for pond margins and bog gardens. Its mid- to dark green oblong leaves feature prominent dark red veins, adding visual interest. In early summer, branched, upright stems bear tiny, star-shaped green flowers that mature to red, attracting pollinators. Thriving in moist to wet, well-drained soils and tolerating full sun to partial shade.

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    Plant essentials

    Key Characteristics:

    • Height 50cm to 70cm
    • Spread: up to 50cm (Medium Growth)
    • Depth: 0cm to 15cm
    • Flower Colour: Green
    • Growth Habit: Clump-forming, tap-rooted perennial
    • Foliage: Mid- to dark green oblong leaves with prominent dark red veins

    Additional Information:

    • Common Name: Bloody Dock, Red-Veined Sorrel, Bloodwort
    • Position: Full Sun/Part Shade
    • Soil: Moist to wet, suitable for pond margins and boggy soils
    • Flowering Period: June to August
    • Hardiness: Hardy in the UK; tolerates -15°C to -10°C. (H5)
    • Normally Available From: April
    • UK Native 🇬🇧 | Pollinator Friendly 🐝

    Your Plant At Arrival

    Your marginal plant will arrive in a Finofil Aquatic Basket, pre-planted with aquatic soil and a slow-release fertiliser. Just pop straight into you pond upon arrival!

    Aquatic Basket Measurements:

    • 1ltr - Square pot (11cm wide by 11cm high)
    • 3ltr - Hexagonal pot (18cm wide x 16cm high)
    • 5ltr - Square pot (24cm wide x 14cm high)
    • 9cm plants arrive in solid pots and will need repotting into aquatic baskets.

    How to Grow

    Growing Instructions: Place the plant on a marginal shelf at the recommended depth. Allow 5 x 1ltr plants per linear metre or 3 x 3ltr plants per linear metre.

    Growing Tips: Plant in consistently moist or wet soil at pond margins or in boggy areas. Divide clumps every few years in early spring to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigour. Remove spent flower stems to encourage fresh foliage growth and keep the plant tidy.

    Care & Maintenance

    Pruning: Remove spent flower stems after blooming to encourage fresh foliage growth and maintain plant appearance.

    Pests/Diseases: Typically unaffected by common pests or diseases; however, monitor for signs of leaf spots or rust, and treat accordingly.

    Marginals - Good to Know

    How Deep Should I Place My Marginals?

    The planting depth depends on the variety. Check the product page or the care label included with your plant for specific guidance.

    Depth is measured from the top of the pot to the water’s surface.

    Most marginals are fine placed 1cm to 2cm under the waterline, just enough to hide the aquatic basket.

    How Many Marginals Do I Need?

    Measure the length of your marginal shelves and then allow:

    • 1ltr Plants: 5 per linear metre
    • 3ltr Plants: 3 per linear metre

    Tip: Leave space between plant varieties to prevent dominant species from taking over. For more details, see our Planting Guide.

    Do I Need to Line My Basket with Hessian?

    No, Finofil aquatic baskets are designed with a fine mesh that prevents soil loss. Adding a liner is optional but not necessary.

    What Are Finofil Baskets Made From?

    Finofil aquatic baskets are made from 100% recycled plastic and manufactured in the UK. They can be recycled at local recycling centres or through kerbside collections that accept black plastic. Plant labels are also recyclable.

    Will Carp or Ducks Eat My Plants?

    Carp (inc. Koi): These fish find pond plants irresistible! If you have carp, we recommend protecting your plants with barriers.

    Goldfish: Goldfish may nibble on oxygenators and softer plants but generally cause less damage. They also eat insects, larvae, and tadpoles.

    Wildfowl: Ducks and other birds may eat plants or damage roots while nesting. Mature plants with strong root systems are more resilient, but consider protecting roots/rhizomes for added security.

    Pre-Ordering, Shipping & Delivery

    Pre-Order Information

    What is a Pre-Order?
    Pre-ordering reserves a plant that is still growing and not yet ready to ship. Payment is taken at checkout to secure your plant, and shipping happens once the plant is well-rooted and ready.

    Benefits of Pre-Ordering:

    • Secure popular plants before they sell out.
    • Receive healthy, pond-ready plants straight from the grower.

    Plant Availability:
    Plants are released in phases:

    • Phase 1 (March–April): Ships by late April (e.g., Water Hawthorn, Marsh Marigold).
    • Phase 2 (May): Ships by late May (e.g., Loosestrife, Frogbit).
    • Phase 3 (June): Ships by late June (e.g., Pickerel Weed).

    Note: Orders with pre-order and ready-to-ship plants will be shipped together. To avoid delays, place separate orders.

    Read More about pre-orders


    Shipping Prices

    Plant Orders:

    • Standard Delivery: £5.00.
    • Large Orders (e.g., 30L Waterlilies): Pallet delivery, cost based on weight and postcode (email for a quote).

    Highlands & Islands:

    • Small Orders (<1.8kg): £5.00.
    • Standard Orders (>1.8kg): £25.00.

    Soil & Gravel:
    Additional charges for multiple bags may apply. Email for a quote if not calculated at checkout.

    Container Ponds:
    Shipping starts at £30. Prices are calculated at checkout.

    Note: We cannot currently ship to Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland due to regulations.

    Read More about delivery prices


    Couriers & Delivery Schedule

    Couriers Used:
    Royal Mail, APC, Parcel Force, and Pallet Delivery services (for large orders and 30L plants).

    Current Shipping Schedule:

    • Season: Autumn/Winter (October–February).
    • Dispatch Days: Weekly on Tuesdays.

    Orders with pre-order plants will be held until all items are ready to ship.

    If you need any help, please email us - info@plantsforponds.co.uk

    Grown in the UK

    Aquatic Plants

    All our plants come from a UK family run aquatic nursery, established over 50 years ago.