About
An ornamental rhubarb cultivar with red foliage in spring. Crimson flowers are borne above the clumps in early summer, reaching a height of 2m. In summer these incised leaves are red on the underside, green on top, but may return to redder shades in the autumn.
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, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Wildlife gardens, 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
CultivationRequires a moist but well-draining site so benefits from mulching
PruningDeadhead spent flower spikes
PropagationPropagate by division in Spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free