Peak Season! Shipping is running at least two weeks behind.
We are humbled by your generous response to our plant offerings. Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm.

Icon Legend

New Plant
New/Featured for 2023

Full Sun
Full Sun

Partial Shade
Partial Shade

Shade Lover
Full Shade

Drought Tolerant
Drought Tolerant

Picture Available
Picture Available

Drawing Available
Drawing Available

(PPAF) = Propagation of this plant prohibited without a license.

Hardiness Zone Map


Rheum palmatum

Rheum

Ornamental Rhubarb

Kin to the edible Rhubarb, these ornamental perennials spawn large brawny leafage and tall intriguing floral spires. Rheum can be utilized as a specimen in the mixed border, the landscape or skirting the water’s edge. They require deep, rich soil and appreciate mulching in the summer to keep their roots cool, as they detest extreme heat.

<i>Rheum palmatum</i> var. <i>tanguticum</i>

One of the most pleasing of the tall ornamental rhubarbs, this prehistoric-looking specimen has colossal divided leaves that first emerge in reddish bronze tones. Warm weather brings dark green foliar hues on top and purple-infused undersides plus airy maroon panicles surmounting towering flower stalks. Later red shades enliven the foliage for a notable fall finale. Stage with another dynamic performer like Veronicastrum ‘Adoration’.

Blooms June–July

Size: 6-1/2' high x 5' 0" wide.

Hardy to zone 5.

Please fill out our Registration Form to receive news of updates to the web site, availability of new plants, give us your feedback, and to be on the mailing list to receive future printed catalogs.

Other selections in this genus:

  • Catalog Navigation Menu Top
  • Perennials at Digging Dog Nursery
    • Perennials: Acaena to Anthemis
    • Perennials: Anthriscus to Astrantia
    • Perennials: Baptisia to Cynoglossum
    • Perennials
    • Perennials: Fallopia to Gunnera
    • Perennials: Haloragis to Inula
    • Perennials: Kirengeshoma to Morina
    • Perennials: Nepeta to Pulmonaria
    • Perennials: Rheum to Succisella
    • Perennials: Teucrium to Yucca
  • Ornamental Grasses at Digging Dog Nursery
    • Grasses: Acorus to Deschampsia
    • Grasses: Elymus to Uncinia
  • Shrubs at Digging Dog Nursery
    • Shrubs: Arctostaphylos to Halimiocistus
    • Shrubs: Hebe to Weigela
  • Trees & Vines
  • List by Genus
  • Gift Certificates
  • T-Shirts
  • Gift Cards & Etchings
  • Slideshow
  • Gallery
  • Catalog Navigation Menu Bottom

Latest News

There does not seem to be any news today. Check back later!



Current Staff’s Favorite Plant

Current Staff’s Favorite Plant

Our feature plant: Primula vulgaris ssp. sibthorpii

Precious Primulas, Prized Pulmonarias and Fabulous Foliage!

Primulas offer elaborately-crafted colorful blooms in varied shapes,……

including draped bells, candelabras, drumsticks and pincushions. Many Primrose flowers  waft a delectable scent. Second-to-none for the dappled recesses of your garden, these easily grown, cold-hardy Primulas crave well-drained, humus-rich niches with adequate moisture and good air circulation. They can grace containers or be planted in swaths along shady walkways or in woodland gardens. Be sure to peruse our online Primulas.

Prized Pulmonarias……

One of the earliest perennials to bloom, you can be picking their enchanting urn-shaped flowers in February while the rest of the garden still slumbers. Many cultivars showcase an array of mercury-hued dapples, speckles and spots, while others sport solid pewter sheens or striking silver streaks. Easy-to-grow Pulmonarias prefer the lacy light of a woodland setting plus cool moist soil. Our newsletter also includes a handful of other shade-loving perennials that promise alluring foliage. Many of these perennials can be partnered with Pulmonarias for intriguing foliar contrast. You may wish to check out our online Pulmonaria offerings.

All of us plant and paper wranglers wish you good health and happy digging!

Digging Dog Nursery Right Border