Also known as Curly Dock · Drogomir (romanian) · Garden Patience
Patience Dock (Rumex patientia) is a large-leaved perennial herb native to Eurasia, grown for its edible leaves and medicinal properties.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun to Partial Shade
75% intensity
Thrives in at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Moderate
50% intensity
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Hardy
25% intensity
Tolerates a wide range of temperatures, hardy to -29°C.
Low
25% intensity
Requires minimal fertilization; a light feed in spring is sufficient.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Non-toxic
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Patience dock prefers consistent moisture, especially during establishment and fruiting. Water deeply when the top 2-3 cm of soil feels dry. Avoid waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Reduce watering slightly during dormancy in winter to prevent over-saturation.
Prune back dead or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Remove flower stalks if you wish to prevent self-seeding or if you are growing for leaf harvest.
Regular harvesting of leaves also acts as a form of pruning.
Patience dock can be propagated by seed sown in early spring or autumn, either directly outdoors or started indoors a few weeks prior. Division of established clumps in early spring or autumn is also an effective method for vegetative propagation.
Patience dock is a vigorous perennial and may need repotting every 2-3 years if grown in containers. Choose a pot that is at least 30 cm in diameter to accommodate its extensive root system.
Repot in early spring before significant new growth begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Patience Dock (Rumex patientia)
Where Patience Dock (Rumex patientia) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Rumex |
| Species | Rumex patientia |
Similar in genus Rumex
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
