Rhubarb is making a brilliant comeback. Not only as a fruity fruit, but also as an enchanting ornamental plant. Get to know the best types and finest varieties here.

Discover two favorites among sixty species

If you don't want to search dizzily within the densely populated plant genus, focus on the following two proven rhubarb species.

  • Common rhubarb (Rheum rhabarbarum) as a crop for refreshing desserts, tart jams, invigorating juices and other delicacies
  • Chinese rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) as an enchanting decorative perennial for every home garden

Rheum palmatum has also made a name for itself in Asia as a natural medicinal plant for a wide variety of ailments. This fact is a little surprising, since all species are poisonous under certain conditions.

Rhubarb varieties that tickle the palate

Common rhubarb has proven to be the fulcrum for the following red varieties:

  • Raspberry rhubarb 'Frambozen Rood', also known as rose rhubarb, with a fruity aroma and red stems
  • Edible rhubarb 'Red Valentine', a red-fleshed breed from Canada with a sour taste
  • Edible rhubarb 'Holsteiner blood', a classic from Germany with red stems for a variety of culinary uses

Popular green rhubarb varieties

Experience has shown that varieties in which the green flesh predominates have a more sour taste than red-fleshed varieties. In terms of care, there are no differences to consider.

  • Edible rhubarb 'Goliath' the green giant variety with a growth height of up to 90 cm
  • Edible rhubarb 'Rosa', green flesh in a soft pink shell
  • Edible rhubarb 'The Sutton', a rarity from England half red and half green

A feast for the eyes, this rhubarb variety

Rhubarb varieties that are planted for consumption tend to sacrifice their flowering in favor of a higher crop yield. Not so with the following variety. Its sole purpose is to beautify the garden.

Crown rhubarb - Siberian ornamental rhubarb (Rheum palmatum var. tanguticum): This opulent decorative perennial stretches up to 200 cm towards the sky. From May to July, it enchants with a lavish red bloom. Their seeds then adorn the garden well into winter.

tips and tricks

Rhubarb thrives particularly well in close proximity to the compost heap. Simply surround the spot with the pretty ornamental variety and in this way transform the usually unsightly brown mound into a decorative eye-catcher.

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Category:

Vegetable garden