Rheum 'Great Bere'

RHS Plant Profile
rhubarb 'Great Bere'
Herbaceous Perennial

A very large, hardy variety of ornamental rhubarb, reaching a height of around 3m, forming clumps of large, spikey-edged green leaves on tall, thick stems. Clusters of red flowers appear in late spring to summer. Copes well in shade as long as it is planted in soil which doesn't dry out, and can be grown next to a pond or stream

Position

Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full shade Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
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, Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Harmful if eatenWear gloves and other protective equipment when handling. Pets: Harmful if eatenfor 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

Grow in moist soil in sun or shade

Propagation

Propagate by division of established crowns in late autumn or early spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Cut back in autumn

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 mould, crown rot and virus diseases