Overview
Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum' is a perennial in the genus Rheum, part of the Polygonaceae family. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loamy and clay soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include ornamental borders and specimen plant. It is native to China.
About
Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum' is a perennial Rheum grown as an architectural, tall-stemmed specimen reaching about 3.0 m. It flowers in June to July and is valued at the back of large borders or as a single focal plant. Originating from China and placed in the Polygonaceae family, it prefers full sun on moist, loamy or clay soils. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling, as the plant is harmful if eaten and can be dangerous to pets.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rheum palmatum
About the genus
Rheum is a genus of about 60 herbaceous perennial plants in the family Polygonaceae. Species are native to eastern Europe, southern and eastern temperate Asia, with a few reaching into northern tropical Asia. Rheum species are cultivated in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Rheum (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Rheum (plant)
In the garden
Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum' is a perennial member of the Polygonaceae native to China, cultivated in the UK for its large stature and presence in a border. Plants grow to around 3.0 m and are used as specimen subjects or to form a tall backdrop in ornamental borders. It belongs to the same genus as garden rhubarb but is notably taller and grown primarily for ornamental effect. Plant it in full sun where the soil is loamy or heavy clay but remains moist yet well drained; standing water should be avoided. The hardiness rating H6 indicates it is very hardy in UK terms, and the USDA range 6–9 confirms tolerance across a range of temperate climates. Place crowns where they have room to develop vertically rather than in confined pots. Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum' flowers in June to July and suits positions where height is needed behind lower perennials or in wide borders as a single specimen. It is harmful if eaten, so 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. Its 3.0 m height makes it most effective as a tall backdrop or standalone feature in a large border.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Rheum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 3.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental borders, specimen plant
- Native to
- China
- Toxicity
- Harmful 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
Pruning and caring for Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun; mulch in winter to protect roots
- Pruning
- Remove old flower stems after blooming; cut back dead foliage in late autumn
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum'?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun; mulch in winter to protect roots.
Where is the best place to plant Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum'?
Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum' prefers full sun.
What soil does Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum' need?
Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum' grows best in loamy and clay soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum'?
Remove old flower stems after blooming; cut back dead foliage in late autumn.
How big does Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum' grow?
Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum' reaches a height of 3.0 m.
Is Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum' hardy in the UK?
Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum'?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common.
Is Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum' toxic?
Harmful 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.
