View Larger Rhubarb

Planted at Mount Vernon

Planted at Mount Vernon


Hardiness Zones

3 3 4 4b 5 5b 6 6b 7 7b 8 8b USDA basemap

Average annual extreme minimum temperature 1976-2005

map legend 3 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b

Rhubarb is an old-fashioned vegetable, grown for its brilliant red stems which are often used in pies and desserts. While its stems are noted for their culinary qualities, its leaves are poisonous and must be removed before cooking.

Latin Name

Rheum x hybridum


Family

Polygonaceae


Type of Plant

Perennials Perennials
Vegetables Vegetables

Bloom Season

May - July


Seasons

Spring Spring
Summer Summer

Specifications

Max height Max Height: 3'
Max spread Max Spread: 3'

Uses

  • Vegetable
  • Edible

  • Sunlight Exposure

    Full Sun Full Sun
    Part Shade Part Shade

    Tolerances

  • Rabbit

  • Colors


    Native Range

    Asia


    History

    George Washington planted rhubarb seed in the Botanical Garden in April of 1788.


    Other Details

    Grown by Washington Grown by Washington

    Bartlett Tree Expert Company has been working with Mount Vernon Estate since 2011 providing expert arboricultural care and GPS mapping for the estate’s historic trees, as well as support from their research facility.   Mount Vernon is proud to partner with Bartlett Tree Experts and appreciates their sponsorship of George Washington’s Mount Vernon Plant Finder App.

    Bring Washington's Garden Home

    Purchase our historic seeds, collected from plants grown at Mount Vernon and plant them in your own garden.

    Shop Now
    Login
    Buy Tickets Activities Calendar Shop Restaurant Give Membership
    Estate Hours

    9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    iconDirections & Parking
    buy tickets online & save