About
A vigorous variety producing thick deep pink stems, with a sweet flavour with a hint of acidity. Ready to harvest from early May, this variety holds its colour and shape well when cooked.
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, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
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 deep, moist, humus-rich soil. Mulch with manure in spring; avoid covering the crown. Keep watered in dry summers and divide every five years to maintain vigour. See rhubarb cultivation for more detailed advice
PruningHarvest sparingly in the first year. Remove any flowerheads that may develop. Allow the foliage to die back naturally in autumn then cut away the old leaves to expose the growing points to winter cold
PropagationPropagate by division of established crowns in late autumn or early spring
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 mould, crown rot and virus diseases