Atriplex hortensis

RHS Plant Profile
garden orache

Other common names

blites, butter leaves, cultivated orache, mountain spinach, orache, red mountain spinach

Annual Biennial

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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1–2 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Amaranthaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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