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Rheum rhaponticum (Common rhubarb)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
1.5m
Max height
Max height
1m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Rheum rhaponticum
Other names
Common rhubarb, Garden rhubarb, Pie plant, False rhubarb, Rhapontic rhubarb, Wild rhubarb, European rhubarb
Genus
Rheum Rheum
Species
R. rhaponticum - R. rhaponticum is robust, clump-forming, deciduous perennial with large, triangular to heart-shaped, lobed, dark green leaves and spike-like panicles of tiny, star-shaped, greenish-white flowers in late spring and early summer.
Rheum rhaponticum is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming
Flower
Greenish-white in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Crown rot Crown rot
General care
Pruning
Deadhead faded flower spikes.
Propagation
Seed is best sown in autumn in a cold frame. Alternatively, sow in a cold frame in spring. Divide in autumn or spring. Use a sharp spade or knife, ensuring at least one growth bud is in each division. Pot up small divisions and grow on in a cold frame.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
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Where to grow
Rheum rhaponticum (Common rhubarb) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Waterside, Woodland
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist soil in sun or part shade. Easily tolerates heavy clay. Hybridizes freely with other Rheum species & cultivars. Reportedly a parent of cultivated rhubarb. May be grown as an edible, but best as an ornamental.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
Botanical name
Rheum rhaponticum
Other names
Common rhubarb, Garden rhubarb, Pie plant, False rhubarb, Rhapontic rhubarb, Wild rhubarb, European rhubarb
Genus
Rheum Rheum
Species
R. rhaponticum - R. rhaponticum is robust, clump-forming, deciduous perennial with large, triangular to heart-shaped, lobed, dark green leaves and spike-like panicles of tiny, star-shaped, greenish-white flowers in late spring and early summer.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming
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Colour
Flower
Greenish-white in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Deadhead faded flower spikes.
Propagation
Seed is best sown in autumn in a cold frame. Alternatively, sow in a cold frame in spring. Divide in autumn or spring. Use a sharp spade or knife, ensuring at least one growth bud is in each division. Pot up small divisions and grow on in a cold frame.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Rheum rhaponticum (Common rhubarb) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 1m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders, Waterside, Woodland
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moist soil in sun or part shade. Easily tolerates heavy clay. Hybridizes freely with other Rheum species & cultivars. Reportedly a parent of cultivated rhubarb. May be grown as an edible, but best as an ornamental.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4, Zone 3, Zone 2
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Clay, Loamy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Moisture-retentive | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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Hartley Botanic has exhibited stunning trade stands at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show for nearly sixty years. For 2016, however, MD Johnny Mobasher is taking their presence at the event to the next… read more
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