Valentine Rhubarb

Description:

A bright red-stalked variety of rhubarb which is less showy in flower than most but features attractive and prolific leaf development; harvest throughout summer; only stems are edible, other plant parts are poisonous

Ornamental Features:

Valentine Rhubarb features bold spikes of white flowers rising above the foliage from early to mid summer. It's enormous crinkled round leaves remain green in colour throughout the season. The fruit is not ornamentally significant, although it is excellent for cooking and baking and making jams and jellies. The dark red stems are very effective and add winter interest.

Landscape Attributes:

Valentine Rhubarb is an herbaceous perennial with a rigidly upright and towering form. Its wonderfully bold, coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced garden composition.

This perennial will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and can be pruned at anytime. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Valentine Rhubarb is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• General Garden Use
• Vertical Accent
• Mass Planting
• Orchard/Edible Landscaping

Plant Characteristics:

Valentine Rhubarb will grow to be about 30 inches tall at maturity extending to 5 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 3 feet. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.

This perennial 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 plant can be propagated by division.

This particular variety is an interspecific hybrid.