Scientific name: Rheum palmatum ‘Atrosanguineum’
Synonym: Rheum palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’
Family: POLYGONACEAE
Common names: “Chinese ornamental rhubarb” “Purple ornamental rhubarb”
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
Conditions:
Zone: 5-9
Light: Full sun
Exposure: Sheltered
Soil: Fertile, deep, humus soil
Moisture: Moist well drained – tolerates less moisture but not wet feet
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: H 3′ W 6′ leaves, flower stalk to 8′
Leaf and Stem shape: Broad, palmately lobed leaves that open rich purple, fading to dark green with purplish undersides
Flower: Bright pink, in large erect panicles
Pruning: None
Maintenance: Mulch, leaves fade to green in early summer, remove leaves and flowers in late june, feed and water, and new leaves will regrow for extended purple colour
Landscape use: Flower beds, informal garden
Propagate: By seed and division
Pests & Disease: None in Victoria
Comments: Leaves from this plant stop weevil larvae if used as a mulch under weevil prone plants,
Cultivars: ~AGM winners: R. p. ‘Hadspen Crimson’ & R. p. ‘Bowles’s Crimson’
Vancouver Island Grows 