Rhubarb Rheum × hybridum 'Reed's Early Superb'
ABOUT
Rheum × hybridum 'Reed's Early Superb', commonly known as rhubarb, has large, expansive leaves that are coarse in texture, with a deep green color above and a lighter hue underneath. The leaves are anchored by thick, fleshy stalks that are often a bright, ruby red, although they can also show shades of light green. These stalks are the edible part of the rhubarb plant. Rhubarb produces small white or pale pink flowers that grow in clusters, but it is primarily cultivated for its vibrant stalks, which are used in cooking and baking. The plant's overall shape tends to be quite bushy with leaves that spread out broadly from the thick central stalks. Rhubarb is a perennial, meaning it comes back year after year, and its appearance can be quite striking in a garden due to the contrast between the bold reds of its stalks and the lush greens of the foliage.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Garden Rhubarb, Pieplant.
Common names
Rheum × hybridum 'Reed's Early Superb'.
ToxicityTo humans
Rhubarb leaves contain oxalic acid and anthraquinone glycosides, which can be poisonous if ingested in large quantities. Symptoms of rhubarb leaf poisoning may include burning in the mouth and throat, difficulty breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, eye pain, and red-colored urine. In severe cases, it can result in kidney problems, seizures, coma, and even death due to the disruption of calcium metabolism in the body. Only the stalks of rhubarb are typically consumed, as they contain much lower levels of oxalic acid and are safe to eat when cooked properly.
To pets
Rhubarb is also toxic to pets, such as dogs and cats, due to the presence of oxalic acid and anthraquinone glycosides in the leaves. If pets ingest rhubarb leaves, they may exhibit symptoms similar to those in humans, which include drooling, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In more severe cases, pets may experience tremors, blood in the urine, or signs of kidney failure. It is important to prevent pets from accessing any part of the rhubarb plant, except for the stalks, which are not commonly given to pets anyway.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Height
2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
Spread
3-4 feet (90-120 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Stalks: The plant is primarily grown for its edible stalks that are often used in making pies, jams and desserts.
- Nutritional Value: The stalks of rhubarb are a source of vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C and dietary fiber.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Rhubarb has large, attractive leaves and can add decorative value to gardens.
- Easy to Grow: Rhubarb is a hardy perennial that is easy to grow in a variety of climates and soil types.
- Low Maintenance: Apart from regular harvesting and ensuring it doesn’t become too dry, rhubarb requires minimal maintenance.
- Culinary Versatility: Rhubarb can be used in a wide range of recipes, from savory dishes to sweet desserts, offering culinary versatility.
Medical Properties- Laxative effect: Rhubarb (common name) contains compounds such as anthraquinones that can provide a laxative effect.
- Digestive health: It may assist with digestion due to its dietary fiber content.
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Rhubarb contains antioxidants that can help reduce inflammation.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Rhubarb leaves can be used as a natural insecticide for the garden with caution as they contain oxalic acid which is toxic to insects and humans. The leaves can be boiled to create a natural bug repellent.
- The high levels of oxalic acid in rhubarb leaves can be used as a natural cleaner for burnt pots and pans; when boiled in water, they can help remove burnt residue.
- As a dye, rhubarb roots have historically been used for their tannins to produce a soft, yellow-brown color on wool and other natural fibers.
- Rhubarb can be utilized in the kitchen as a culinary coloring agent to provide a natural red or pink hue to homemade jams, jellies, and desserts.
- Rhubarb stalks can be composted to contribute to a nutrient-rich compost pile, due to their organic matter and mineral content, enhancing soil fertility.
- The high acid content of rhubarb makes it a potentially effective rust remover for metal tools and surfaces; however, care should be taken because of its corrosive nature.
- Rhubarb can play a role in natural fabric mordanting processes where the tannins bind colors to fibers, improving dye uptake and longevity.
- In eco-printing, rhubarb leaves can be used to imprint their shape and color onto paper or fabric through a steam or pressure process for unique patterns.
- When added to hair rinses, rhubarb root can impart a golden sheen to light blonde or gray hair due to its yellow pigments.
- Rhubarb stalks have been used creatively in art projects, such as making stamps for painting or printing designs with their cross-sectional patterns.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rhubarb is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rhubarb is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Healing - Rhubarb has been used for its medicinal properties, particularly for digestive issues, symbolizing healing and the body's ability to overcome illnesses.
- Protection - Historically, rhubarb's roots were used to make a natural insecticide, lending it the symbolic meaning of protection against negative external influences.
- Prosperity - The hearty growth and abundant production of the rhubarb plant have associated it with prosperity and abundance in one's life.
WaterFor the rhubarb 'Reed's Early Superb', water it deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 inches of water each time. During the growing season, ensure it gets approximately 1 gallon of water per square foot per week, increasing this amount during hot, dry periods. Apply water directly to the base to avoid wetting the leaves, which can promote disease. In cooler climates or during periods of rainfall, decrease the amount of water. Always check the soil before watering; it should be moist but not waterlogged.
LightRhubarb 'Reed's Early Superb' thrives in an area with full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant is one where it can receive at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily. Avoid overly shaded areas as this can impact the vigor and yield of the plant. Morning sunlight is especially beneficial, as it dries dew from the leaves, reducing the risk of disease.
TemperatureThe rhubarb 'Reed's Early Superb' prefers cooler temperatures, with an ideal growing range between 40°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 20°F. Temperatures above 90°F may cause the plant to go dormant. It is a cold-hardy plant that does well in regions with a distinct winter season, as the dormant period helps to stimulate growth.
PruningPrune rhubarb 'Reed's Early Superb' by removing any flowering stalks as they appear to encourage leafy growth. Do this throughout the growing season as needed. After harvest, remove older, yellowing leaves to improve circulation and discourage pests. The best time for a thorough clean-up pruning is late fall after the plant has gone dormant, to prepare it for the next growing season.
CleaningNot needed
SoilRhubarb (Rheum × hybridum 'Reed's Early Superb') thrives in a soil mix that is rich in organic matter, well-drained, and has a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. A mixture of garden soil, compost, and a small amount of sand for improved drainage creates the best soil conditions for healthy rhubarb growth. It’s essential to avoid waterlogged conditions as rhubarb is prone to root rot.
RepottingRhubarb (Rheum × hybridum 'Reed's Early Superb') is a perennial plant that doesn’t typically require frequent repotting. It's best to repot or divide rhubarb every 4 to 5 years to rejuvenate the plant and maintain vigorous growth. Spring is the ideal time for this task, just before the plant resumes rapid growth.
Humidity & MistingRhubarb (Rheum × hybridum 'Reed's Early Superb') is adaptable to a wide range of humidity levels and does not require high humidity. Outdoor ambient humidity is generally sufficient for rhubarb, as it is a hardy plant used to variable outdoor conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow rhubarb in large pots with rich soil and ample sunlight.
Outdoor
Plant rhubarb in a sunny spot with well-draining, fertile soil.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleRhubarb 'Reed's Early Superb' begins its lifecycle as a dormant crown with buds during winter. In the early spring, these buds break dormancy and sprout into large leaves and fleshy petioles (stalks), which is the main edible part of the plant. After a few years, mature plants exhibit a vegetative phase growth in spring and early summer, followed by a reproductive phase where they may produce flower stalks, although these are typically removed to redirect energy to stalk production. Throughout the summer, the plant continues to grow and can be harvested several times. In the fall, the leaves die back and the plant enters a period of dormancy, storing energy in its roots for the next growing season. Once productive years are over, plant vigor declines, and it may require division or replacement to maintain yields.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
Rheum × hybridum 'Reed's Early Superb', commonly known as Rhubarb, is typically propagated by crown division. This is most successfully done when the plant is dormant, usually in the early spring or late fall. To propagate by division, a mature rhubarb crown should be dug up and the root ball divided into smaller sections using a sharp knife or spade. Each section should contain at least one to two healthy buds or crowns. The divisions are then replanted in well-draining soil, ensuring that the buds are just below the surface. It's crucial to water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method of propagation allows the gardener to quickly increase their stock of rhubarb plants while maintaining the characteristics of the original cultivar.
