Rheum palmatum 'Rubrum'

RHS Plant Profile
rhubarb 'Rubrum'

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rhubarb 'Rubrum' RHS

Synonyms

Rheum palmatum 'Flore Rubro'

Herbaceous Perennial
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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

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

1.5-2.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

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

Growing Conditions

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

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–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
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

May be susceptible to slugs and aphids

Diseases

Generally disease-free