Rheum
( REE - um )
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly known as Rhubarb, this flowering perennial plant needs either full sun or partial shade and ample water. Plants are grown for their beautiful foliage and their flower bracts which form clusters of color in spring and summer. Flowers are typically greenish white to rose-red. Most species are native to eastern Europe, southern and eastern temperate areas of Asia, and to a lesser extent tropical Asia. Some species are cultivated worldwide as crop plants. Take care when planting some species of this genus in the garden, as fresh stems or leaves are toxic if ingested.
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Rheum Species and Varietals
The genus Rheum includes around 60 ornamental and crop species and is a member of the plant family Polygoniaceae. Most species and varietals of Ornamental Rhubarb grow best in zones 2b-7 and 14-17. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Rheum australe (Rheum emodi) (Himalayan Rhubarb, Indian Rhubarb, Red-Veined Pie Plant) Native to the Himalayas, this plant reaches 4-10 feet tall and 6-8 feet wide, with red-veined leaves. Flower plumes are white, yellow, or dark reddish-purple and stretch to 8-12 inches in length. This is known as a medicinal plant, but the species is not commonly cultivated as a crop. |
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Rhubarb x hybridum (Cultivated Rhubarb)
This group of hybrids and cultivars are known as garden crops, and mostly hail from central Asia. There are many different varieties, listed below:
This group of hybrids and cultivars are known as garden crops, and mostly hail from central Asia. There are many different varieties, listed below:
'Hawke's Champagne'
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'Grandad's Favourite'
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'Stein's Champagne'
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'Timperley Early'
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'Reed's Early Superb'
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'Victoria'
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'Early Albert'
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'Glaskin's Perpetual'
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Rheum maximowiczii Native to mountainous regions in central Asia, these plants produce round leaves with wavy margins. Each plant produces a single, unbranched reddish leafless stem to 40 inches tall that holds greenish-yellow flowers with long stamens from May to June in the plant's native range. |
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Rheum nobile (Sikkim Rhubarb, Noble Rhubarb) These giant herbaceous plants are native to the Himalayas, and reach up to six and a half feet tall when in bloom. Plants form a conical tower of delicate, shiny straw-colored to whitish leaves; ones higher up on the plant have pink edges. Lower leaves are green. Sikkim Rhubarbs bloom annually in June and July in their native range. |
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Rheum officinale (Chinese Rhubarb, Indian Rhubarb) These plants are native to China, and typically reach up to 6.5 feet tall when mature and in bloom. The roots of these plants are used in traditional Chinese medicine practices. Leaves are green. |
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Rheum palaestinum (Desert Rhubarb) These plants are native to Israel and Jordan, and produce broad, rigid leaves with a waxy surface. Basal foliage is green, and plants produce multiple branched flowering stems. This species prefers to grow in rocky substrate. |
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Rheum palmatum (Chinese Rhubarb, Ornamental Rhubarb, Turkey Rhubarb, East Indian Rhubarb) This plant reaches 6-8 feet tall and 6 feet wide and is native to China and Tibet. Leaves are deeply cut and toothed, and flowers are red, borne on plumes reaching 2 feet in length. Variety 'Atrosanguineum' is tinted red, and Rheum palmatum tanguticum (pictured) is tinted purple, with flowers in white, pink or red. |
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Rheum rhaponticum (False Rhubarb, Rhapontic Rhubarb, Rhapontic) This species is thought to be an ancestor of modern culinary Rhubarb hybrids, and is native to Europe. These robust plants grow from woody rhizome roots, and produce heart-shaped basal foliage with prominent veins. Flowers are light greenish white to yellow in color. |
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Rheum ribes (Syrian Rhubarb, Currant-Fruited Rhubarb, Warty-Leaved Rhubarb) These plants are native to temperate and subtropical regions in the Middle East and India. These stout perennials produce a plant up to 3 feet tall with reddish-green foliage. Flowers are small and white to cream-yellow. |
Caring for Rheum
Ornamental rhubarb grows well in deep, organically rich soil.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
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A field of thea sinensis
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Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'
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Videos
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A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 556, Rheum
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