Chinese rhubarb
Rheum palmatum
Cycle:
Herbaceous Perennial
Watering:
Average
Propagation:
Division
Hardiness Zone:
5 - 7
Flowers:
Pink to red Flowers
Sun:
Full sun,part shade
Soil:
Bog, Humus rich
Fruits:
green,brown Fruits In Summer Ready In Fall
Leaf:
Yes
Growth Rate:
High
Maintenance:
Low
Poisonous To Pets:
Yes
Thorny:
Yes
Invasive:
Yes
Care Level:
Medium
watering
Chinese rhubarb should be watered thoroughly, but infrequently. Water the plant once every 2 to 3 weeks, making sure that the soil is completely saturated. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out before adding more water. Water in the morning, so that any excess moisture can evaporate during the day. Don't allow the plant to sit in soggy soil, as this can cause it to rot.
sunlight
Chinese rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) plants prefer to receive a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day, and preferably around 10 hours. It's best to place the plant in an area with full-sun exposure to ensure its leaves stay green. During the warmer summer months, some partial shade may be beneficial, as too much intense sunlight can cause the plant's leaves to burn. During the winter months, it may be necessary to supplement the sunlight with artificial lights, as the wavelengths produced by the sun are weaker and may not be as beneficial.
pruning
Chinese rhubarb should be pruned in late winter or early spring, when the plant is still dormant. The degree of pruning depends on the desired size of the plant. Typically, the older and larger branches should be cut to 2-thirds of their size and any dead or weak shoots should be completely removed. All shoots longer than 4 feet should be cut down to 18-24 inches. This will effectively promote new growth in the upcoming season.
