Position

Sun exposure:
Full sun
Aspect:
South facing, west facing

Soil

Well Drained / Light / Sandy

Red orache or mountain spinach, Atriplex hortensis var. rubra, is an erect colourful annual with purple leaves. It makes a lovely border plant, and its leaves make a tasty, succulent addition to the salad bowl. Atriplex hortensis var. rubra has lance-shaped leaves, about 18cm (7in) long. Purple flowering spikes appear in summer, complementing its foliage.

For best results grow Atriplex hortensis var. rubra in well-drained soil in full sun, sowing successionally if you want to harvest leaves throughout the growing season. Water freely in summer.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Sowyesyesyesyes
Plantyesyesyesyes
Flowersyesyesyesyes
Collect seedsyesyes
Harvestyesyesyesyes

Atriplex and wildlife

Atriplex has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Atriplex poisonous?

Atriplex has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:
Is not known to attract Birds
Birds
Is not known to attract Cats
Cats
Is not known to attract Dogs
Dogs
Is not known to attract Horses
Horses
Is not known to attract Livestock
Livestock
Is not known to attract People
People
Plants that go well with Atriplex hortensis
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