Chenopodium bonus-henricus (Good King Henry)

Botanical name

Chenopodium bonus-henricus

Other names

Poor-man's asparagus, Perennial Lincolnshire spinach, Markery, Goosefoot, Good King Henry

Genus

Chenopodium Chenopodium

Species

C. bonus-henricus - C. bonus-henricus is a clump-forming, herbaceous perennial with broad, triangular or diamond-shaped green leaves that are flushed red. In late summer it bears long spikes of insignificant, green-red flowers if it has been hot enough.

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Clump-forming, Irregular

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Colour

Flower

Insignificant or absent, Green, Flushed red in Summer

Foliage

Green in Summer; Green in Autumn

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How to care

Watch out for

Pests

Seems to be trouble free.

Diseases

Seems to trouble free.

General care

Pruning

Pick leaves as required.

Propagation

Sow seed in cold frame in autumn.

Propagation methods

Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Chenopodium bonus-henricus (Good King Henry) will reach a height of 3m and a spread of 0.5m after 1-2 years.

Suggested uses

Add to salads, Beds and borders, Flavouring food and drinks

Cultivation

Plant in fertile, moist but well-drained soil in sun or part shade.

Soil type

Clay, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Full Sun

Aspect

South, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Hardy (H4)

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Chenopodium bonus-henricus (Good King Henry)

Common pest name

Acorn disease; Citrus little leaf; Citrus stubborn disease; Little leaf of citrus; Stubborn disease of citrus

Scientific pest name

Spiroplasma citri

Type

Bacterium

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Bacterial pest affecting citrus and field vegetables now present in parts of the EU. Carrots are the main crop potentially at risk; but main vectors responsible for transmission are unlikely to establish in the UK. EU regulations should be updated to reflect extended host range. Industry may be interested in pursuing research to investigate impacts on field vegetables.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/