PlantFiles: Ornamental Rhubarb
Rheum palmatum

Very Hardy plant.

i planted it out (small plant) while we still had freezes at night , it still grows like mad adding 3 new leaves in 2 weeks.

I have all palmatum varieties and i can say they don't like full sun in very hot weather , partial is better because the plant wil loose all leaves which is quitte a loss.
if you buy a big expensive plant don't plant it in full sun. - partial shade or light shade is better

after a while they wil grow new leaves that can stand against the sun but this will take a while.

it's hard to overwater it but give it a good mulch, it is important to keep the roots cool in a hot climate.

all rheum palmatum varieties are self sowing and tanguticum has red flowers which is nice!

The large basal leaves, 2'-3' wide are dark green and sharply palmately lobed. Tiny flowers are arranged in 2' long panicles that end 7' tall stems.Tall flowering stems rise above the mounded basal leaves.

The species is harder to grow than the edible rhubarb. It requires abundant fertilizer in the spring. Mulch to conserve soil moisture.

The texture of this plant makes it a natural for a bold display in a border, as an accent, or along the edge of water.

Native to China