Atriplex hortensis
garden orache
An erect annual with stems from 0.6 to 1.8m tall clothed with triangular green leaves that may be eaten when young and tender as a spinach-like leafy vegetable; clusters of small, insignificant, reddish-green flowers are borne in summer
Other common names
blitesbutter leaves
see morecultivated orache
mountain spinach
orache
red mountain spinach
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
- Native to the UK
- 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 to prevent bolting
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Architectural
- Flower borders and beds
- Cut flowers
Pruning
Cut back after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.