Rumex scutatus 'Silver Shield'

We spied a lone 3 ” pot of this sturdy and attractive groundcover the last time we visited the Huntington Botanical Garden, and lucky us – they let us take it home! The shiny silver leaves are a great accent, & attractive year round. It's a tough plant, too – it takes some drought & some neglect, & still looks none the worse for wear. In cold & stress sometimes it even turns a little bit pink – rather nice! Grows easily in most soils, but best in rich, well draining soil. Though edible, this species contains oxalic acid, which gives it a sour taste & should not be eaten in quantity. 6” high, & sprawls to about 2'. Flowers in June, but not in any noteworthy way. Prefers some shade in hotter areas.

Claire Woods
Propagator