Rheum nobile | noble rhubarb

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.

2024 Note: 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.

2025 Update: This has been our most requested plant. Sadly, the extreme heat we experienced this summer killed off our seedlings and we will not be able to offer this plant in 2026.

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