About
Clusters of red flowers appear in late spring to summer. A very large, hardy variety of ornamental rhubarb, reaching a height of around 3m, forming clumps of large, spikey-edged green leaves on tall, thick stems. Copes well in shade as long as it is planted in soil which doesn't dry out, and can be grown next to a pond or stream.
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 shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy, Columnar upright
FoliageDeciduous
Height2.5-4 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Cottage and informal garden
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
CultivationGrow in moist soil in sun or shade
PruningCut back in autumn
PropagationPropagate by division of established crowns in late autumn or early spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to stem and bulb eelworm, swift moth caterpillar, and to slugs and snails on young growth
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus, downy mildews, grey mould, crown rot and virus diseases