Rheum alexandrae

RHS Plant Profile

Alexander's rhubarb

RHS

Bogs Herbaceous Perennial

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A rhizomatous perennial with large, glossy, dark green leaves with heart-shaped bases and prominent veins. In early summer produces drooping sprays up to 60cm long of tiny, star-shaped, yellow-green flowers which are almost covered by hanging, creamy bracts 10cm or more long

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 2–5 years
Max Spread: 0.5-1 metres
Max Height: 1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam

Moisture: Poorly–drained
pH: Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade

Aspect: South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure: Exposed or 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): 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: Correct
Plant Range: SW China

How to Grow

Cultivation

Prefers deep, humus-rich, permanently moist soil in full sun. Benefits from mulching with organic matter in spring

Propagation

Propagate by division in early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
Cottage and informal garden
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead spent flower spikes

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free