Overview
Rheum palmatum tanguticum is a columnar upright perennial in the genus Rheum, part of the Polygonaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 2.0 m tall. Rheum palmatum tanguticum grows best in full sun, and tolerates loamy and clay soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include ornamental and borders. It is native to China.
About
Rheum palmatum tanguticum is a perennial in the Polygonaceae that reaches about 2.0 m and is cultivated as an ornamental for borders. It flowers in June to July, producing pink blooms above the foliage. Plant in full sun on loamy or clay soil that stays moist but drains freely. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling because the plant is harmful if eaten.
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
A tall perennial native to China, Rheum palmatum tanguticum grows to around 2.0 m and is used primarily as an ornamental in borders and other structural plantings. It carries a summer flower display in June to July with pink flowers that rise above its leaves, making it useful where vertical presence is required. The species belongs to the Polygonaceae and is valued for that summer height and form rather than for edible use. Choose a sunny spot and a heavy soil such as loam or clay that remains moist but is not waterlogged; the plant prefers consistently moist but well-drained conditions. It is fully hardy (H7) in UK gardens and also corresponds roughly to USDA zones 5–9, so it tolerates cold winters without shelter. Allow space for its height and provide room at the rear of a mixed border or alongside structural planting where it can be seen from a path or lawn. Handle with care: all parts are harmful if ingested, and direct contact may require gloves and protective equipment. Position Rheum palmatum tanguticum where its 2.0 m stems and June–July flowers can rise clear of neighbouring perennials so the summer bloom is visible above lower planting.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Rheum
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loamy, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Rheum palmatum tanguticum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 2.0 m
- Suggested uses
- Ornamental, Borders
- 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 tanguticum
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Requires protection from strong winds.
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring. Cut back flower stems after blooming.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Aphids
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Rheum palmatum tanguticum?
Prefers moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Requires protection from strong winds.
Where is the best place to plant Rheum palmatum tanguticum?
Rheum palmatum tanguticum prefers full sun. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Rheum palmatum tanguticum need?
Rheum palmatum tanguticum grows best in loamy and clay soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How do I prune Rheum palmatum tanguticum?
Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring. Cut back flower stems after blooming.
How big does Rheum palmatum tanguticum grow?
Rheum palmatum tanguticum reaches a height of 2.0 m.
Is Rheum palmatum tanguticum hardy in the UK?
Rheum palmatum tanguticum has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Rheum palmatum tanguticum?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but slow.
Is Rheum palmatum tanguticum 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.
