Growing ornamental rhubarb adds an attractive specimen to a mixed border in the landscape. Large, interesting leaves grow basally and have a reddish bronze underside in summer. The plant has interesting pink, white, and purple blooms (panicles) as well. When combined with medium and small foliage of other plants, the Chinese rhubarb plant (Rheum palmatum) makes a statement in your landscape.
What is Chinese Rhubarb?
You’ve likely heard of rhubarb but may
not be familiar with its uses. Rhubarbs are of the buckwheat family and are a
diverse group of plants. There are several rhubarb varieties, but this one is
botanically called Rheum palmatum
var. tanguticum. It is related to the
edible rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum), sometimes
referred to as R. xhybridum or R. xcultorum.
Can you eat Chinese rhubarb? No. This
rhubarb variety is largely ornamental. The Chinese attempted eating the leaves
over 5,000 years ago when they utilized the plant for medicinal properties.
However, the oxalic acid in the leaves can create problems when consumed in
quantity and was often found to be toxic.
Sources say this is the “most pleasing” of the ornamental rhubarbs. So if you’re looking for a showstopping plant or focal point, or if you are in need of something near your pond or water feature, this is a great choice.
How to Grow Chinese Rhubarb
Ornamental rhubarb care starts with
choosing the right sunny spot. If you have a spot that retains moisture well
and has rich soil, it is likely a good place for planting. If not, find the
right sunny spot and be prepared to water regularly.
An attractive covering of mulch
helps retain moisture and keep roots cool in summer. This attractive, sprawling
specimen does not like heat on the roots in summer.
Multiplying from a single plant is
possible by seed or division, called splitting. Splitting is a way to refresh
older plants that have slowed in performance because of age. You may take
pieces of mature root systems, and then transplant, water and fertilize these for
more plants. Don’t divide plants that have been in the ground less than three
years, however.
Growing ornamental rhubarb adds an attractive specimen to a mixed border in the landscape. Large, interesting leaves grow basally and have a reddish bronze underside in summer. The plant has interesting pink, white, and purple blooms (panicles) as well. When combined with medium and small foliage of other plants, the Chinese rhubarb plant (Rheum palmatum) makes a statement in your landscape.
What is Chinese Rhubarb?
You’ve likely heard of rhubarb but may
not be familiar with its uses. Rhubarbs are of the buckwheat family and are a
diverse group of plants. There are several rhubarb varieties, but this one is
botanically called Rheum palmatum
var. tanguticum. It is related to the
edible rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum), sometimes
referred to as R. xhybridum or R. xcultorum.
Can you eat Chinese rhubarb? No. This
rhubarb variety is largely ornamental. The Chinese attempted eating the leaves
over 5,000 years ago when they utilized the plant for medicinal properties.
However, the oxalic acid in the leaves can create problems when consumed in
quantity and was often found to be toxic.
Sources say this is the “most pleasing” of the ornamental rhubarbs. So if you’re looking for a showstopping plant or focal point, or if you are in need of something near your pond or water feature, this is a great choice.
How to Grow Chinese Rhubarb
Ornamental rhubarb care starts with
choosing the right sunny spot. If you have a spot that retains moisture well
and has rich soil, it is likely a good place for planting. If not, find the
right sunny spot and be prepared to water regularly.
An attractive covering of mulch
helps retain moisture and keep roots cool in summer. This attractive, sprawling
specimen does not like heat on the roots in summer.
Multiplying from a single plant is
possible by seed or division, called splitting. Splitting is a way to refresh
older plants that have slowed in performance because of age. You may take
pieces of mature root systems, and then transplant, water and fertilize these for
more plants. Don’t divide plants that have been in the ground less than three
years, however.