Rheum × hybridum

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garden rhubarb

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garden rhubarb RHS

Other common names

pie plant

Synonyms

Rheum × cultorum

Fruit Edible Herbaceous Perennial
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A herbaceous perennial which develops from a short crown, producing thick, angular stems and somewhat triangular leaves. The edible stems are 30-40cm in length and change from a light pink to red and finally green as they develop and age

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1-1.5 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H5

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 eatenexcept cooked leaf stalks. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eatenexcept cooked leaf stalks - 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
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Any fertile garden soil can be used for rhubarb as long as it is well-drained and in full sun. Crowns (""sets"") can be cropped for ten or more years, though division may be necessary after about five years. Plant crowns in November or December and up to the beginning of March if necessary. A spring mulch of well-rotted organic matter 7cm (2 1/2in) deep will help to retain moisture but do not bury the crowns. Plants will also respond to watering during prolonged dry periods in summer. Apply a general fertiliser in spring or summer . See also rhubarb cultivation

Propagation

Lift crowns between autumn and early spring (usually in November). Use a spade to divide the crown into sections each retaining a portion of the rhizome (thickened root) and at least one growing point. Sections from the outer part are better than the centres of old plants. Discard any old or decayed parts of the crown. Replant straight away or wrap in damp sacking until ready to plant

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Architectural
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

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

Pests

May be susceptible to stem and bulb eelworm, swift moth caterpillar, and to slugs and snails on young growth

Diseases

May be susceptible to honey fungus, downy mildews, grey moulds, crown rot and virus diseases