Rheum palmatum 'Hadspen Crimson'

RHS Plant Profile
rhubarb 'Hadspen Crimson'
rhubarb 'Hadspen Crimson' RHS

Synonyms

Rheum × hybridum 'Hadspen Crimson'

Award of Garden Merit
Herbaceous Perennial

An ornamental rhubarb cultivar whose young leaves are crimson, aging to green; they are large, palmate and incised. Flower spikes in early summer can reach 2m in height

Position

Full shade, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1-1.5 metres
Max Height
1.5-2.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline

Position

Full shade Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Polygonaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Requires a fertile, moisture-retentive soil, so mulching is beneficial

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Architectural
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead spent flower spikes

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free