Chinese Rhubarb | Growing Guide, Benefits, and Uses
Introduction: The Versatile Chinese Rhubarb
Chinese rhubarb, known botanically as Rheum palmatum, is a striking perennial plant native to China, Tibet, and Mongolia. Unlike culinary rhubarb, this variety is renowned not for its taste, but for its stunning ornamental value and historic role in traditional medicine. With deeply lobed leaves, towering flower spikes, and potent root properties, Chinese rhubarb is both a garden showstopper and a botanical powerhouse.
What Is Chinese Rhubarb?
Chinese rhubarb belongs to the Polygonaceae family and is often referred to as Turkey rhubarb or ornamental rhubarb. It has been used for over 2,000 years in Chinese herbal medicine, primarily for its strong laxative and detoxifying effects. In gardens, it is admired for its impressive foliage and architectural presence.
Botanical Characteristics
- Scientific Name: Rheum palmatum
- Type: Perennial herbaceous plant
- Height: Up to 2.5 metres
- Spread: Around 2 metres
- Leaves: Large, jagged, palmate leaves up to 1 metre wide
- Flowers: Tall spikes of pink to creamy-white flowers from late spring to early summer
- Root: Thick, fleshy taproot with medicinal compounds
How to Grow Chinese Rhubarb
Ideal Growing Conditions
Chinese rhubarb thrives in rich, well-drained soils and prefers cool, temperate climates. It is hardy in most parts of the UK and is a great choice for adding dramatic vertical interest to borders and water-adjacent areas.
- Soil Type: Moist, humus-rich, well-drained
- Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
- Watering: Keep consistently moist, especially during hot weather
- Hardiness: Tolerant down to –20°C
- Position: Ideal for the back of a border, bog garden, or beside a pond
Planting Tips
- Plant bare-root crowns in early spring or autumn.
- Space plants 1.5–2 metres apart to accommodate their large size.
- Mulch annually with compost or well-rotted manure to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.
Maintenance
- Remove flowering stems if you wish to promote larger foliage.
- Cut back dead leaves in late autumn.
- Divide overcrowded roots every few years in spring.
Medicinal Benefits and Traditional Uses
Chinese rhubarb’s dried root has been a staple in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries. Its properties are believed to aid digestion, cleanse the liver, and support detoxification.
Key Health Applications
- Laxative: Used in small doses to relieve constipation
- Digestive Tonic: Helps with sluggish digestion and bloating
- Anti-inflammatory: May reduce inflammation when used externally or internally
- Detox Support: Often used in formulations that support liver and gallbladder health
- Skin Remedies: Applied topically in poultices for skin eruptions, burns, and abscesses
Active Compounds
- Emodin
- Rhein
- Aloe-emodin
- Anthraquinones (responsible for the laxative effect)
Cautions and Side Effects
While Chinese rhubarb has many benefits, it should be used responsibly and preferably under the guidance of a healthcare practitioner.
- Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Not recommended for individuals with kidney stones or digestive tract obstructions.
- Long-term use may cause electrolyte imbalance.
- Only the root is used medicinally – the leaves are toxic due to oxalic acid content.
Chinese Rhubarb vs Culinary Rhubarb
Though both belong to the same genus (Rheum), Chinese rhubarb differs significantly from the culinary variety:
| Feature | Chinese Rhubarb | Culinary Rhubarb |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Rheum palmatum | Rheum x hybridum |
| Main Use | Medicinal, ornamental | Culinary (e.g., pies, jams) |
| Edible Stalks | Not typically consumed | Commonly eaten when cooked |
| Leaf Size | Larger, deeply lobed | Smaller, smoother |
| Flower Height | Up to 2.5 metres | Rarely flowers, much shorter |
| Toxicity | Leaves highly toxic | Leaves also toxic |
How to Use Chinese Rhubarb Root
Drying and Powdering: The roots are typically harvested in autumn, cleaned, sliced, and dried for use in powders, tinctures, or teas.
Tincture or Decoction: Often consumed as part of herbal blends. Dosage depends on the specific condition and should be guided by a trained herbalist.
Topical Application: Can be made into a poultice or salve for skin conditions.
Chinese Rhubarb in the Garden
Beyond its medicinal legacy, Chinese rhubarb makes a beautiful garden feature. Its massive leaves provide a bold textural contrast to finer foliage, while the flower spikes add dramatic vertical structure. Whether grown as a curiosity, a medicinal herb, or simply for its sheer beauty, it’s a plant that deserves attention.
Conclusion
Chinese rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) is more than just a pretty face in the garden. With a history deeply rooted in traditional medicine and a commanding ornamental presence, it is a versatile plant worth growing and understanding. Whether you’re a herbal enthusiast or a gardener in search of bold foliage, Chinese rhubarb offers beauty and function in equal measure.