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
Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
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
H6Botanical 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
Diseases
May be susceptible to crown rot, honey fungus and virus diseases
Get involved
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