Rheum rhabarbarum - Rhubarb - €9 per plant 

Rheum rhabarbarum has been harvested from the wild for centuries for its root, which was harvested for use as a popular medicine in Europe and Asia. The plant is extremely hardy but will not tolerate very hot summers and prefers moist fertile soils. It makes a great addition to the forest garden, tolerating some shade and, a good plant to fill the corner of odd shaped beds in the garden   ​​To order this plant please contact us [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: South Siberia to North and central China
  • native habitat:  mountain slopes at 1000–1600 m elevation, sandy ground along field edges, on the steppes, and copses of woodland
  • family: Polygonaceae

Predators

  • Generally unbothered by pest but a butterfly Lycaena violacea, caterpillars are known to feed on R. rhabarbarum 

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi-shade or no shade
  • soil pH:  Acid, neutral -basic alkaline
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 4
  • prefers moist to boggy, humus rich, fertile soils.
  • prefers a neutral to acidic pH of soil
  • It cannot tolerate atmospheric pollution
  • The plant does not like hot summers

Known hazards 

  • The leaves are poisonous but perfectly safe in moderate quantities, oxalic acid can lock up certain minerals (especially calcium) in the body, leading to nutritional deficiency. Cooking the plant will reduce its content of oxalic acid.

Overview

  • Herbaceous perennial growing to 1.5 m by 1.5 m.
  • It is in flower from June to July
  • Hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind.
  • Suitable for moist and boggy soils 
  • Prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil.
  • Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
  •  It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. 

Characteristics

  • form: herbaceous perennial 
  • layer : Herb Layer
  • habit: clumper with limited spread 
  • height x width (m): 1.5 x 1.5 
  • productive life span: 10 years 

Products 

  • Leaf:  Leaf  and stem can be eaten raw or cooked
  • Medicinal: Rhubarb has a long and proven history of herbal usage, its main effect being a positive and balancing effect upon the whole digestive system. 
  • Immature flowers - cooked and used like cauliflower

Functions, behaviours

  • A very easily grown plant, tolerant of considerable neglect.
  • Large clumps may be divided in spring
  • Grows well in heavy clay soils.
  • An ornamental plant
  • The root pattern is fibrous dividing into a large number of fine roots 
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project