noble rhubarb
Rheum nobile
Rheum nobile
- SPRING 2025 PRE-ORDER
PLEASE KNOW: Plants shipped in early spring will likely arrive in a dormant state.
PLEASE KNOW: Plants shipped in early spring will likely arrive in a dormant state.
Our plants overwinter outdoors where they follow the natural rhythms of the season. We never force our plants to break dormancy early. Admittedly, early-leaf-out is customer pleasing, but it is bad practice both for the long-term health of the plant and for the environment. Plants shipped in early spring will very likely not be in full leaf. We grow in a cold area (zone 5), which means that customers in warmer climates will likely receive plants behind their own garden schedule. Not to worry though, healthy plants catch up quickly. Read more about Our Sustainable Practices here.
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Ornamental rhubarb are large, architectural plants; foliage, colors, and flower spires are all dramatic. Grow them in sun or part shade on moist but well-drained soil; roots should be mulched to keep cool in summer.
Noble rhubarb is a giant perennial native to the alpine tundra of the Himalayas. It is by far the weirdest plant we grow. We find it absolutely fascinating, but do not recommend it for garden merit.
This plant grows at extreme elevations and has had to make some serious adaptions to survive. Most strikingly, it forms its own greenhouse! Flowers and fruits are hidden inside a 6' spire of translucent, UV filtering bracts where they are protected from the elements and remain at least 10 degrees warmer than the temperatures outside.
In all honesty, we don't know how this super rare plant will cope with US climates. Our seedlings are growing vigorously and we are excited to learn what comes next. Try this plant if you feel like an experiment.
Zones: 4 to 7
Family: Polygonaceae
Type: Perennial
Height: 48 to 60 in.
Spread: 36 to 42 in.
Exposure: full sun
Soil Conditions: moist
Bloom Time: June to August
Bloom Color: yellow-ochre
Native Range: the Himalayas
ordering information
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PREORDERS
You may place your order anytime to reserve plants for spring 2025 shipment. If you place multiple orders, we will combine plants into one box (or as many as needed) and any extra shipping charges will be refunded when we ship.
We will begin shipping plants as soon as plants begin to emerge from dormancy in spring. Woodies will likely begin shipping in April. Perennials will likely begin shipping in May. If ordering multiple varieties, we will hold until all plants are ready to ship together. If you would like to receive plants sooner please reach out.
We will check in with you a week before shipping to make sure you receive your plants at a time that is convenient for you.
SHIPPING
Live plants ship in spring and fall only. Plants may ship dormant, depending on variety and season. Shipping costs are most reasonable when bundling like size plants.
- 4-inch: 1-6 plants ship for $15.00 / 7-13 plants ship for $18.00 / 14-30 plants ship for $40.00
- 1-gal: 1-2 plants ship for $18.00 / 3-4 plants ship for $25.00 / 5-6 plants ship for $40.00
- trees & shrubs: $27.00-$40.00 each, height dependent
We regret that we cannot ship internationally or to the following states: AK, AZ, CA, CO, FL, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, UT, or WA.
NURSERY PICK-UP
Plants can be collected from the nursery Monday through Sunday from 10am-4pm in Spring, Summer, and Fall. We prefer 24 hour notice to get your order together and will email you when ready for collection.
If you place a SPRING 2025 PREORDER, we will contact you in spring when your plants are ready for collection. Woodies will likely become available for collection in April. Perennials will likely become available in May. If ordering multiple varieties, we will hold until all plants are ready to be collected together.
PLANT SIZES
We most commonly use the following pot sizes for perennials:
- 4-inch pot: 3.5" H x 3.5" W x 3.5" D
- 2-quart pot: 6" H x 5.25" W x 5.25" D
- 1-gallon pot: 6.87" H x 8" Dia (this is a true one gallon pot, not the smaller 'trade' one gallon pot used by many nurseries)
Check out our illustrated pot size guide here.
Representative trees & shrubs are photographed in their pots and posted on each plant page.
SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do at The Old Dairy. We grow all of our plants outdoors without the use of chemicals, fertilizers, carbon fuels, or peat.
Many of our perennials are grown in the ground and dug upon order (this is especially true for larger sizes). This practice allows us to grow stronger, healthier plants using native soil, and ultimately reduces our impact on the environment.
Our open-pollinated seeds are collected from plants in our mother beds, which have never been treated with chemicals or sprays of any kind.