Great water dock (Rumex hydrolapathum)

Also known as: Great Water Dock

Great water dock is a tall, robust perennial herb with broad, lance-shaped leaves and distinctively reddish-brown whorled flower clusters. Commonly found by riversides, great water dock thrives in wetland habitats. Its dense flower spikes are particularly prominent during the summer and can reach impressive heights, contributing to its striking appearance.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Great water dock

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

1 m to 2.5 m

Spread

Approximately 50 to 100 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

5 mm

Flower Color

Green

Images of Great water dock

Quickly Identify Great water dock

This plant can be identified by its large, broad leaves that can grow up to 50 cm in length. Look for the tall, erect flower spikes that can reach up to 2 meters in height. The flowers are initially greenish but become reddish-brown as they age.

Scientific Classification of Great water dock

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Caryophyllales

Family

Buckwheat

Genus

Docks

Species

Great water dock

Planting and Growing of Great water dock

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6-8

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Great water dock?

Rumex hydrolapathum require about 500 ml of water every watering time. They enjoy well-drained soil, so ensure the water gets through the root zone. After watering, check to see if the top 2-4 inches of soil are moist. The 'deluge and drought' approach echoes the natural habitat of this species, with a thorough soaking of the roots and then a period of drying out.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Great water dock? ›

What should I do if my Great water dock is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Great water dock? ›

How to save an overwatered Great water dock? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Great water dock?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6-8 hours per day

The ideal light range for Rumex hydrolapathum is 6 to 8 hours of a combination of direct and indirect light daily. This enhances photosynthesis leading to vigorous growth, richer leaf color and better flowering.

Ideal light exposure quantity ›

Ideal light exposure quality ›

Benefit of ideal lighting ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Great water dock?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

Rumex hydrolapathum, also known as the Water Dock, flourishes best in a temperature range of 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The plant prefers moderate climates and it grows robustly in these warm conditions. Temperatures below or above this range may hinder growth and development.

What Soil is Best for Great water dock?

Soil type: Loam, Clay soil, Calcareous soil

Soil PH: 6 ~ 8

Rumex hydrolapathum thrives in soil that is rich in nutrients. It would greatly benefit from a well-fertilized soil that can supply all the necessary nutrients it needs for optimal growth. This plant does not like to have 'wet feet'. The soil must be well-drained to prevent root rot which can severely harm or even kill the plant. Being a large and tall plant, it prefers a deep soil. This allows for the development and spread of its root system, providing stability and enabling it to soak up sufficient nutrients.

How to Fertilize Great water dock?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Rumex hydrolapathum thrives on moderate feeding. Apply 1 tablespoon of liquid fertilizer diluted in 1 gallon of water every 2 weeks during the growing season, or a slow-release granular fertilizer at the beginning of growing season, at mid-summer and in early autumn.

How to Prune Great water dock?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin by cleaning your pruning tools to ensure no disease is transferred. Inspect thoroughly and remove any dead or yellowing leaves. Look for sections that appear overcrowded and trim some to allow light penetration. Make sure to prune back to a main stem, and avoid leaving stubs as they may lead to diseases. Always cut at a 45 degree angle to prevent water damage. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Great water dock plant?

Propagate Time: Spring,Early summer

Scatter seeds across moist seed trays and lightly cover with a layer of soil.

Carefully divid the parent plant's root system using a sharp and clean garden spade, making sure each division has a portion of the root.

Plant divisions at the same soil level as the parent plant, water thoroughly post planting.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Great water dock plant?

Repotting frequency: Every two years

Rumex hydrolapathum, also known as water dock, signals the need for repotting usually during late spring and early summer when its roots start to crowd the pot. Watch out for signs like slowed growth and discoloration of leaves.

Choose a well-drained pot that is 1-2 sizes larger than its current one. A larger pot allows for optimal root development, leading to healthier plant growth. A pot with drainage holes is a must to prevent water logging.

Water dock thrives best in loamy, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Such soil provides both good drainage and sufficient nutrients for the plant's growth and development.

Toxicity

Ingestion

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.