Valentine Rhubarb is a perennial that is typically grown for its edible qualities, although it does have ornamental merits as well. The dark red stalks are usually harvested from early to late summer. The stalks have a sweet taste and a crisp texture.
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. 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, preferring 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.
Details
Botanical Name
Rheum x hybridum 'Valentine'
Common Name
Valentine Rhubarb
Hardiness Zone
- 2
Appearance
Max Height
30 inches (5 feet with flowers)
Max Spread
3 feet
Plant Form
- Upright Spreading
Foliage Colour
- Green
Fall Colour
Flower Colour
- White
Edible
Edible
- Yes
Edible Component
- Stalks
Edible Harvest Period
Early to Late Summer
Edible Use
- Fresh Eating
- Baking
- Cooking
- Preserves
- Canning
- Sauces
Fruit Colour
Growing
Flowering Period
Early to Mid Summer
Moisture
Average to Wet
Sunlight
Full Sun to Partial Shade
Maintenance
Occasional
Deer Resistance
Yes
Get more information about this plant and others with our comprehensive plant finder tool.
