Description

Primarily cultivated for herbal medicinal use of the roots and stems; leaves are highly poisonous and should not be consumed; plumes of white flowers tower above the plants in summer, foliage turns red in fall

Planting & Growing

Chinese Rhubarb will grow to be about 30 inches tall at maturity extending to 6 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 5 feet. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant can be integrated into a landscape or flower garden by creative gardeners, but is usually grown in a designated herb garden. It does best in full sun to partial shade. It is quite adaptable, prefering to grow in average to wet conditions, and will even tolerate some standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.