Garden Rhubarb (Rheum × hybridum)

Family: Polygonaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Rheum × hybridum is a deciduous Perennial growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1.5 m (5ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Flowers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste, it is used as a fruit substitute in spring, usually stewed with sugar and used in pies, jams etc. — Leaf stem - raw or cooked.; An acid taste, it is used as a fruit substitute in spring, usually stewed with sugar and used in pies, jams etc.; The juice strained from stewed rhubarb can add colour and flavour to a fruit punch.; It is best not to eat large quantities of the stems because of their oxalic acid content - see the notes above on toxicity.

Habitat & North American Range

Garden Hybrid. (Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)