Bloodwort Wood Dock (Rumex sanguineus)

Bloodwort Wood Dock

Striking red veined foliage plant for bold pond margins and bog gardens

Bloodwort Wood Dock, also known as Rumex sanguineus, is a highly distinctive marginal plant grown primarily for its dramatic foliage rather than its flowers. This eye catching perennial features deep green leaves boldly marked with dark red veins, creating a strong visual contrast that stands out beautifully around pond edges and within bog gardens.

Unlike many pond plants that rely on flowers for impact, Bloodwort Wood Dock delivers consistent interest throughout the growing season thanks to its richly coloured leaves. The elongated, slightly glossy foliage forms a neat clump, adding structure and depth to planting schemes. It works particularly well when combined with softer green plants, where its red veining can really stand out.

In early to mid summer, the plant produces upright stems of small green flowers which gradually take on reddish tones as they mature. While the flowers are subtle, they do attract pollinators and contribute to the overall biodiversity of your pond environment. However, it is the foliage that remains the true highlight of this plant.

Bloodwort Wood Dock thrives in moist to wet soil conditions and is perfectly suited to pond margins, damp borders, and bog gardens. It can be planted just at the water’s edge or in very shallow water, where it will establish well and grow steadily. It tolerates both full sun and partial shade, making it a versatile choice for a range of garden settings.

This plant is easy to maintain and benefits from occasional division to keep it healthy and prevent overcrowding. It is also a great option for wildlife friendly gardens, offering cover for insects and amphibians.

Please note that while it is generally safe in the garden, large quantities can be harmful if eaten, so care should be taken around pets.

🇬🇧 UK-grown aquatic plant: Grown at a dedicated aquatic plant nursery in the South of England and carefully prepared for delivery across the UK.

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Key Benefits

• Striking red veined foliage for strong visual impact
• Adds contrast and structure to pond margins
• Suitable for ponds, bog gardens, and damp borders
• Attractive to pollinators and beneficial insects
• Easy to grow and low maintenance
• Hardy and reliable in UK conditions
• Long lasting interest throughout the growing season

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Reasons to Buy

• Unique foliage plant unlike typical pond flowers
• Perfect for adding colour without relying on blooms
• Works well in mixed planting schemes
• Ideal for natural and wildlife friendly ponds
• Supplied ready planted for easy installation

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Care Instructions

• Place the plant on a marginal shelf at a depth of 0 cm to 15 cm, measured from the top of the basket to the water surface.
• Grow in consistently moist to wet soil for best results. Position in full sun or partial shade. Remove spent flower stems to encourage fresh foliage and maintain a tidy appearance. Divide clumps every few years in early spring to keep the plant vigorous and prevent overcrowding.

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Flowering Period

June to August

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Size and Growing Conditions

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Dispatching Your Pond Plants

Your Bloodwort Wood Dock will be carefully packed to protect the foliage and roots during transit.

Orders received by 11am Monday to Wednesday are normally dispatched on the following working day using a next working day courier service. During busy periods, dispatch may occasionally take an extra day.

To avoid plants being held in depots over a weekend, we do not usually dispatch on Fridays. Highlands and Islands orders using a two day service are not normally dispatched on Thursdays.

Available basket sizes:

• Pack of 3 × 9cm Pots
• 1 Litre Basket – usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square; some varieties may be supplied in a 14cm diameter × 10cm round basket
• Pack of 3 × 1 Litre Baskets – each usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square

Planting depth is measured from the top of the aquatic basket to the water surface.

Plants supplied in 9cm pots require potting into suitable aquatic baskets before being placed in the pond.

Finofil baskets are manufactured in the UK from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable. Their fine dual-mesh construction helps retain aquatic soil while allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots. Basket shape may vary slightly depending on the plant and supplier availability.

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Similar pond plants

For another pond-edge planting option, compare Bog Pimpernel (Anagallis tenella) and Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor).

Explore more marginal pond plants or browse our complete pond plants range. Need baskets, aquatic soil or planting essentials? Browse our pond plant baskets and aquatic planting supplies.