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BogsHerbaceous Perennial

Rheum palmatum 'Atrosanguineum'

rhubarb 'Atrosanguineum'

A robust herbaceous perennial with broad, palmately lobed leaves that open rich purple, fading to dark green with purplish undersides; flowers bright pink, in large erect panicles

Synonyms
Rheum palmatum 'Atropurpureum'
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Purple
Summer Pink Green Purple
Autumn Green Purple
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Polygonaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
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

Grow in any reliably moist soil in full sun or partial shade. Mulch crowns in late winter

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in autumn or by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Cut out spent flowering spikes

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and aphids

Diseases

May be susceptible to crown rot, honey fungus and virus diseases

Get involved

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