About
A herbaceous perennial with uniformly tall leaves from ground-level. The green leaves are supported by red stems which are reported to be less acidic than some varieties.
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 typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesHerbaceous borders, cottage gardens, cutting.
ToxicityHarmful if eaten, except cooked leaf stalks. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eaten, except cooked leaf stalks - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moisture-retentive but well-drained, deep fertile soil in good light. See rhubarb cultivation for further advice
PruningPruning group 1
PropagationPropagate by division in late winter
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to stem and bulb eelworm, swift moth caterpillar, and to slugs and snails on young growth
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to honey fungus, downy mildews, grey moulds, crown rot and virus diseases