Rheum palmatum (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to partial shade
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Moist to boggy
Eventual Height: 90cm (2m with flower spike)
Eventual Spread: 1.8m
Hardiness: 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Family: Polygonaceae
Rheum palmatum is a deciduous herbaceous perennial. Its mid to dark green leaves are palmate with lobes are up to 75cm long and 75cm across. Its dark pink flowers appear on long stalks in the form of panicles and are wind pollinated. Its roots are fleshy rhizomes.
Rheum palmatum, commonly known as Turkish Rhubarb, Chinese Rhubarb, Indian Rhubarb and Russian Rhubarb, is native to west China and Mongolia. In its native habitat it grows by streams in scrub and rocky places.
The etymological root of the binomial name Rheum is derived from the Persian rha, the name given the Rhubarb. Palmatum is from the Latin meaning ‘palm like’, in reference to the leaves.
The landscape architect may find Rheum palmatum useful as a fast growing perennial with large architectural leaves, particularly in damp soils.
Ecologically, Rheum palmatum is of little ecological value in the UK.
Rheum palmatum Leaf (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Rheum palmatum prefers moist to boggy, humus rich, fertile soils. It prefers a neutral to acidic pH of soil. It will not tolerate dry soils.
Rheum palmatum requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring.
