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Bitter Dock in the GardenTags plant encyclopedia

Rumex obtusifolius

 

Bitter Dock

'Bitter Dock' is usually considered to be a weed - and very common in all parts of Britain. It is possibly most famous for being an antidote for nettle stings - although there is no scientific evidence to support this! It has large oval to oblong leaves, lower leaves being heart-shaped and having wavy edges. The flowers in spreading branches, leafy below. It has white-green flowers that turn brown when they are pollinated.

Contributed by @wickl20

 
plant Features
  • Bitter Dock likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Bitter Dock likes very little water

    Very little water

  • Bitter Dock is full frost hardy: 5f (-15°c)

    Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)

  • Bitter Dock likes all soil conditions

    All soil conditions

 
plant information

Common name

Bitter Dock

Latin name

Rumex obtusifolius

type

Perennial Herb

family

Polygonaceae

ph

6.0 - 7.5 Acid - Neutral

  • Light

    Bitter Dock likes full sun to partial shade

    Full sun to partial shade

  • Frost

    Bitter Dock is full frost hardy: 5f (-15°c)

    Full Frost Hardy: 5F (-15°C)

  • Soil

    Bitter Dock likes all soil conditions

    All soil conditions

  • Water

    Bitter Dock likes very little water

    Very little water

Plant & bloom calendar

  •  
    Best time to plant

full grown dimensions

The size of a fully grown Bitter Dock is 0.30meters x 1.00meters 0.30 M 1.00 M

Rumex obtusifolius

'Bitter Dock' is usually considered to be a weed - and very common in all parts of Britain. It is possibly most famous for being an antidote for nettle stings - although there is no scientific evidence to support this! It has large oval to oblong leaves, lower leaves being heart-shaped and having wavy edges. The flowers in spreading branches, leafy below. It has white-green flowers that turn brown when they are pollinated.


Planting

From Early Spring TO Late Spring

Plant out in any garden soil, in sun or partial shade, water in well and keep moist until established. It can be planted in large containers for ease of harvesting the leaves later. Use multi-purpose compost and keep well watered.

 
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