About
Pale pink flower spikes rise from the clumps in early summer. An ornamental rhubarb; a hybrid between the giant R. palmatum and the more diminutive R. kialense making it well-suited to smaller gardens. Leaves are heart-shaped and veined red on the underside.
About the genus
Rheum are robust rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with large, simple or palmately lobed leaves and tall leafy stems bearing large panicles of tiny flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden, Wildlife gardens
ToxicityHarmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationRequires a moisture-retentive but well-draining situation in sun or partial shade. Benefits from mulching
PruningDeadhead spent flower spikes
PropagationPropagate by division in Spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free