Himalayan rhubarb
Also known as: Nepal rhubarb; red-veined Himalayan rhubarb; red-veined pie plant; Indian rhubarb
A large rhizomatous perennial to 2m high, with oval to rounded basal leaves up to 75cm long that emerge from the ground in late spring. Leaves are mid green, with wavy edges, coarse hairs on the undersides and long, thick reddish stems; they are sometimes bronze when young and tinted red in autumn. In summer, produces tall, branching flower stems, bearing tiny, densely packed, nodding reddish-purple flowers. An ornamental plant grown for its striking substance
Scientific classification
- Species
- Himalayan rhubarb (Rheum australe)
- Genus
- Rheum
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling LJD
- Toxicity
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Plant type
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Height
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Spread
- Deciduous
- Foliage
- Clump forming
- Habit
- Autumn · Spring · Summer
- Season of interest
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Himalayan rhubarb pictures
Distribution of Himalayan rhubarb
Distribution map
- Native
- Introduced
- Cultivated
Source：WCVP v16 · Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew · CC BY 3.0 · Boundaries：WGSRPD / TDWG
Culture
Information to be completed
Toxicity
Harmful if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling LJD
Quick identification of Himalayan rhubarb
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Himalayan rhubarb care guide
- Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
- Watering
- Full sun · Partial shade
- Sunlight
- Information to be completed
- Ideal temperature
Watering
Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Fertilizing
FertilizingBalanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer
Pruning
PruningCut back faded leaves at the end of the season
Propagation
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by division in early spring
Growing
GrowingGrow in deep, moist, fertile soil, ideally in a sunny position. Mulch with organic matter in early spring. Needs plenty of space
People also ask
Information to be completed
Common pests and diseases
Diseases
May be susceptible to crown rot, honey fungus and virus diseases
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and aphids
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