Rheum palmatum 'Bowles's Crimson'
rhubarb 'Bowles's Crimson'
An ornamental rhubarb cultivar with red foliage in spring. In summer these incised leaves are red on the underside, green on top, but may return to redder shades in the autumn. Crimson flowers are borne above the clumps in early summer, reaching a height of 2m
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Red Green | ||
| Autumn | Red | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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 moist but well-draining site so benefits from mulching
Propagation
Propagate by division in Spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Architectural
- Wildlife gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Deadhead spent flower spikes
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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