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.
Advertisement
Plant calendar
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Sow
yes
yes
yes
yes
Plant
yes
yes
yes
yes
Flowers
yes
yes
yes
yes
Collect seeds
yes
yes
Harvest
yes
yes
yes
yes
Atriplex and wildlife
Atriplex has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.
