Rhubarb
Rheum rhabarbarum
Also listed as Rheum franzenbachii, Rhabarbarum verum
Also known as Garden Rhubarb, Pie-plant, Wine-plant
Climate Match for your location
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Rhubarb is a hardy perennial grown for its tart, edible leaf stalks (petioles), which are harvested in spring and early summer. Its large, deeply veined leaves and tall flower spikes make it an ornamental addition to the garden, while its vigorous growth and long lifespan (10+ years) make it valuable in permaculture systems.
Why grow it
Rhubarb tolerates poor soil and partial shade better than most fruiting perennials, making it useful for marginal garden spaces. Its sustained productivity over a decade or more with minimal inputs fits permaculture systems well. Unlike annual crops, established plants require little fertilizer or pest management once settled, though yields and stem quality exceed those of many wild or weedy perennials.
Watch out for
Rhubarb can take two to three years to reach full productivity, requiring patience before meaningful harvests. Overcrowding or neglect may allow the crown to become congested, reducing vigor over time. In very warm climates, plants may struggle or bolt prematurely in summer heat.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Polygonaceae
Native Range
Siberia and China
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Rhubarb is a hardy perennial grown for its tart, edible leaf stalks (petioles), which are harvested in spring and early summer. Its large, deeply veined leaves and tall flower spikes make it an ornamental addition to the garden, while its vigorous growth and long lifespan (10+ years) make it valuable in permaculture systems.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Rhubarb grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Rhubarb tolerates poor soil and partial shade better than most fruiting perennials, making it useful for marginal garden spaces. Its sustained productivity over a decade or more with minimal inputs fits permaculture systems well. Unlike annual crops, established plants require little fertilizer or pest management once settled, though yields and stem quality exceed those of many wild or weedy perennials.
Watch out for
Rhubarb can take two to three years to reach full productivity, requiring patience before meaningful harvests. Overcrowding or neglect may allow the crown to become congested, reducing vigor over time. In very warm climates, plants may struggle or bolt prematurely in summer heat.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Polygonaceae
Native Range
Siberia and China
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Herb
Soft non-woody plants of the field layer.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
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