Red Orache 'Rubra'

Commonly known as Red Mountain Spinach, this striking hardy annual is grown as much for its architectural presence and edible foliage as for its ornamental value. Reaching heights of up to 1.5 metres, it features deep, dusky-red, triangular leaves and tall, branching stems topped with inconspicuous flower spikes that eventually form attractive seed heads. In the UK garden, it provides a superb vertical accent in the middle or back of a border, creating a rich backdrop for paler flowers. While it is technically a pot-herb, its vibrant purple-red hue makes it a designer's favourite for contemporary 'productive' borders. It is exceptionally easy to grow from seed sown directly in spring and will often self-seed reliably if the heads are left. It prefers a sunny position but is tolerant of most soil types, provided they are not waterlogged. The young leaves can be harvested for salads, offering a mild, salty flavour similar to spinach.

Sun: Full sun to partial shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained loam.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug, Sep.