I know I saw a thread on a forum somewhere about Bloody Dock just a month ago or so, but of course I can't find it now. I did happen to run across this link, just in case you hadn't found any other general info. already.

Hope they all do well for you-- sounds like you got a good deal! :-)
Sherry

Here is a link that might be useful: Minnesota Water Garden Society: Plant Profiles

Our Lowes had the same sale about 1 month ago.
I also purchased spearwort and when I did a search, the websites were about water plants in the UK. I have no idea if it is hardy in my zone- 7b.

The fiber optic grass is supposidly a tender perennial. I put it in my pond and I will see if it makes it through the winter.

I have Rumex sanguineus (Bloody Dock) and it is planted outside my pond in relatively good soil that gets extra water from topping off the pond and cleaning out the bird bath. It has grown well with no special care. It was a small plant when I put it in and has been through one winter. It pops up right through a solid ground cover. A photo taken a few weeks ago. It is a bit larger now.

{{gwi:208439}}

Thanks for the info. I potted the bloody dock up for the pond, but I have a feeling it would do better for me outside the pond. I really like the looks of this plant...might tuck it between two rocks. I'm thinking maybe the fiber obtic grass could make it in my waterfall (which is a very gentle stream). I'm just looking for more interesting ways to use these plants rather than just plopping them in pots and setting them on the pond shelf. Besides, with all the iris and canna I bought, I probably don't have enough shelf anyway!

prairie_bogger

That is a great link thanks for it.

I just purchased bloody dock from lowes the other day, I loved the red in the leaves and thought it would give the pond some color when I get it back up, but no sale here, they never seem to put pond plants on sale here.

That Bloody Dock is a pretty plant. I had Fiber Optic Grass in my pond last year with about 1" water over the top of the pot. It went all mushy. This year I have one small plant sitting along the edges of the waterfall. All it gets for water is what seeps up from the waterfall flow. Seems to be doing well. I need to put a rock in front of it to hide the pot. It is not hardy in my area but may be in your zone.

pb - that is a good water plant ID site. I just noticed you put it there (sorry) - It is easy to use - good photos and cultivation/propagation information. Plus, some of the more readily available plants. I'm looking for Golden Club which is supposed to be native to Maryland yet I've never seen it growing anyway in my travels along the wetlands. I'm waiting for local stores to carry it as I like to buy plants I can see for the most part.

The "Bloody Dock" that you describe is actually a herb, French Sorrel, I think; used in salads (may want to give it an extra wash before you throw it in your salad).
That is my only complaint against some of these hardware stores selling plants..sometimes you cannt find the scientific name, or care instructions..good luck

this is not french sorrel. I'm growing some from seed bought from Johnny's seeds and it's growing well in dry unammended soil. don't try eating this.

Bloody dock is a sorrel. It is edible but not as tasty as the ugly common sorrel. Here is a link.

well, I learned something new today, thanks.

I bought two blood docks a couple of years ago. In pots, I could not keep them happy. They needed a LOT of water or they wilted. I planted one in partial shade, in the ground. The other was planted in my creek in full sun. The one in the creek is 4 times as big and it is thriving.

I actually decided to plant the bloody dock in my bog. It is struggling, but it is still alive with small new growth. We'll see what happens.