Plant of the week

Rumex sanguineus: This isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but bees love it for its nectar and pollen. It’s also known as the red-veined dock – it’s a tap-rooted, herbaceous perennial which produces a rosette of mid- to darkgreen, oblong leaves with striking dark red veins. In summer, the blooms appear, at first green then red, followed by dark brown fruits. Although this is a plant that prefers a well-drained soil and a site in full sun, it will also thrive in semi-shade. Cut it back after flowering.