Growing Rhubarb as Ornamental Landscaping
Rhubarb isn’t just for pies and preserves—it’s also an unsung hero in ornamental landscape design! With bold, architectural foliage, dramatic spring color, and striking red, pink, or green stalks, rhubarb transforms vegetable patches, borders, and even front gardens into stunning displays. Here’s how to grow rhubarb as an eye-catching, edible feature plant in any yard.
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Why Rhubarb Makes a Great Ornamental
- Huge, textured leaves: Provide lush greenery and bold structure from spring through summer.
- Brilliant stalks: Vivid reds and pinks add splashes of color—especially when contrasted with greens and silvers.
- Early spring presence: One of the first plants to emerge, offering visual interest before many perennials wake up.
- Elegant flowers: Tall, feathery flower stalks (bolts) can be left for a statuesque accent in ornamental beds.
Where to Use Rhubarb in the Landscape
- As a focal point: Place rhubarb in the center or back of perennial borders as a dramatic anchor.
- Along paths or fences: Lush, billowing foliage softens hard lines and provides seasonal screening.
- In mixed cottage beds: Combine with lupins, delphiniums, ornamental alliums, and poppies for a sensory feast.
- In edible landscapes (“potager” gardens): Partners beautifully with herbs, berries, rainbow chard, and artichoke.
- In containers: Large pots on patios or decks add structure and seasonal interest.
How to Grow Ornamental Rhubarb
1. Pick the Right Variety
- ‘Victoria’, ‘Timperley Early’, ‘Fulton’s Strawberry Surprise,’ and ‘Canada Red’ offer reliable color and bold leaf shape.
- For boldest effect, choose red or pink-stalked cultivars.
2. Plan for Space
- Mature rhubarb crowns spread 3–4 feet (1–1.2 meters) wide.
- Give ample space in mixed beds to show off the foliage.
3. Soil and Light
- Well-drained, rich, compost-enriched soil is best.
- Full sun is ideal, but part-shade is tolerated (especially in hot climates).
4. Planting Design Combinations
- Contrast with fine-textured foliage (ferns, artemisia, ornamental grasses).
- Echo red or pink stalks with heuchera, Japanese maple, or deep pink tulips nearby.
- Undersow with groundcovers or spring bulbs like muscari, crocus, or snowdrop.
5. Let It Flower (Optional)
- Although most growers remove flower stalks for better eating, bolts can be left to add vertical “drama” in ornamental beds.
- Note: Bolting diverts energy from edible stalks—grow extra plants for pure ornament!
Ongoing Maintenance
- Keep crowns mulched to conserve moisture and maintain tidy beds.
- Water during dry spells for lush foliage.
- Remove yellowing leaves in late summer; compost for soil improvement.
Edible AND Beautiful
- Pick stalks regularly for kitchen use, while still enjoying the plant’s visual appeal.
- Ornamental rhubarb is 100% edible—just don’t eat the leaves!
Wrapping Up
Whether as a statement plant in mixed borders, a bold accent in edible landscapes, or the anchor of a cottage garden, rhubarb delivers both beauty and bounty. Plant it for its looks—and reap delicious rewards in every season.