Rheum palmatum 'Rubrum'
rhubarb 'Rubrum'
A clump-forming perennial with scarlet new foliage, followed by large, purple-green lobed leaves up to 75cm long and panicles of deep red flowers that rise on 2m long stems in early summer, this ornamental rhubarb is an architectural plant that demands space
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Neutral, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Green Purple | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or °Â±ð²õ³Ù–f²¹³¦¾±²Ô²µ
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- 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
- Genus
Rheum are robust rhizomatous herbaceous perennials with large, simple or palmately lobed leaves and tall leafy stems bearing large panicles of tiny flowers
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Requires a fertile, moisture-retentive soil. Mulch in winter to help retain moisture
Propagation
Propagate by seed or division in Spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead spikes after flowering
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
911±¬ÁÏ
The 911±¬ÁÏ is the UK’s gardening charity, helping people and plants to grow - nurturing a healthier, happier world, one person and one plant at a time.