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Atriplex hortensis var. rubra

RHS Plant Profile
red mountain spinach

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red mountain spinach Dorling Kindersley 2003
red mountain spinach RHS

Other common names

red orach

Annual Biennial
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An erect annual to 1m or more, with slightly succulent, ovate, deep red-purple leaves to 15cm in length, and tall dense racemes of tiny flowers of similar colouring

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
°Â±ð±ô±ô–d°ù²¹¾±²Ô±ð»å
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Amaranthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Genus
Atriplex can be annuals, perennials, shrubs or sub-shrubs, with simple, often silvery, leaves and usually inconspicuous flowers in summer
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in well-drained soil in full sun, water freely in dry weather

Propagation

Propagate by seed in succession from spring to early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free