About
This sturdy herbaceous perennial with broad, palmately lobed leaves that open rich purple, fading to dark green with purplish undersides; flowers bright pink, in large erect panicles.
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, Poorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeBogs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage 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 any reliably moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Mulch crowns in late winter
PruningCut out spent flowering spikes
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in autumn or by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to crown rot, honey fungus and virus diseases