Rheum palmatum Seeds | Chinese Rhubarb Herb Officinale Da-huang
LATIN NAME: Rheum palmatum
COMMON NAME: Chinese Rhubarb
Plant Profile
Rheum palmatum, commonly known as Chinese Rhubarb, is a clumping herb in the buckwheat family. It likes sun or part shade, and deep, rich, moist soil. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the buckwheat family, Rheum palmatum is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Medicinal root chemistry of the Chinese rhubarb gives it a recognised place in research on traditional pharmacopeia of buckwheat family, and palmatum species appears in studies of anthraquinone compounds and bold, architectural foliage. Continuing work by breeders and collectors keeps good seed of this species moving through the trade.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Chinese Rhubarb for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. In cool garden, the Chinese rhubarb masts summer border with towering plumes. Great, lobed leaves make bold specimen, root has served traditional remedies for digestion for generations, and stalks of related rhubarbs serve the kitchen. It thrives in deep, rich, moist, sunny or lightly shaded ground. After the first season it asks for very little beyond a place that suits it.
Rhubarb’s medicinal root, Da Huang, is one of the great herbs of Chinese medicine, a potent moving and clearing herb whose anthraquinones, emodin and rhein, are widely studied; the vegetable stalks make pies, but the leaves are toxic and the medicinal root is professional-strength.
Growing from Seed
Raising Chinese Rhubarb from seed is straightforward. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in partial shade until the seedlings are well up. Transplant the sturdiest seedlings to their permanent spots and let them develop without disturbance.
Our Take
Chinese Rhubarb repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
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