Plant Library

Other Names:  Crimson, Crimson Wine, Crimson Cherry Rhubarb

Description:

A bright red stalked variety of rhubarb which is less showy in flowers than most but it has attractive and prolific leaf development; only the crimson stems are edible, other plant parts are poisonous

Edible Qualities

Crimson Red Rhubarb is a perennial that is commonly grown for its edible qualities, although it does have ornamental merits as well. The large crimson stalks are typically harvested when mature. The stalks have a sweet taste.

The stalks are most often used in the following ways:

• Fresh Eating
• Cooking
• Baking
• Preserves
• Canning
• Sauces

Features & Attributes

Crimson Red Rhubarb is primarily valued in the landscape or garden for its pronouncedly upright and towering form. It features bold spikes of creamy white flowers rising above the foliage from late spring to early summer. Its attractive large crinkled lobed leaves emerge chartreuse in spring, turning dark green in colour throughout the season. The crimson stems are very colorful and add to the overall interest of the plant.

This 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 plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. 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.

Aside from its primary use as an edible, Crimson Red Rhubarb is sutiable for the following landscape applications;

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

Planting & Growing

Crimson Red Rhubarb will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity extending to 4 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 4 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 is quite ornamental as well as edible, and is as much at home in a landscape or flower garden as it is in a designated edibles 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 particular variety is an interspecific hybrid. It can be propagated by division; however, as a cultivated variety, be aware that it may be subject to certain restrictions or prohibitions on propagation.