Overview
Rheum palmatum 'Bowles' Variety' is a perennial in the genus Rheum, part of the Polygonaceae family. It typically grows around 3.0 m tall. Rheum palmatum 'Bowles' Variety' grows best in full sun, and tolerates loamy and clay soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H6.
About
Rheum palmatum 'Bowles' Variety' is a perennial in the knotweed family that reaches about 3.0 m and produces tall flowering stems above large palmate leaves. It flowers in June to July, with pink blooms presented on erect panicles. Plant in full sun on loamy or clay soils that remain moist but well-drained and expect it to tolerate UK conditions down to H6 (very hardy).
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 'Bowles' Variety' is a perennial Rheum in the Polygonaceae, historically associated with East Asia and cultivated for both ornamental value and its relation to garden rhubarb. It grows to roughly 3.0 m, carrying large hand-shaped leaves and upright flowering stems that bear pink flowers in June to July. Position it in full sun on loamy or clay ground that holds some moisture yet drains; overly dry soils limit its stature and flowering. It is classed H6 in UK hardiness terms (very hardy) and corresponds to USDA zones 6–9, so it withstands typical UK winters in most regions. Give it space for its leaf spread and avoid shallow, very free-draining beds. Use Rheum palmatum 'Bowles' Variety' as a tall, structural plant at the rear of a mixed herbaceous border or as a specimen where its height and summer florals are visible. The pink panicles that appear in June–July rise well above the foliage and provide a vertical feature that complements perennials planted in front of it.
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 'Bowles' Variety' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 3.0 m
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Rheum palmatum 'Bowles' Variety'?
Rheum palmatum 'Bowles' Variety' prefers full sun.
What soil does Rheum palmatum 'Bowles' Variety' need?
Rheum palmatum 'Bowles' Variety' grows best in loamy and clay soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Rheum palmatum 'Bowles' Variety' grow?
Rheum palmatum 'Bowles' Variety' reaches a height of 3.0 m.
Is Rheum palmatum 'Bowles' Variety' hardy in the UK?
Rheum palmatum 'Bowles' Variety' has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
