Rheum 'Red Champagne'

Rheum rhabarbarum 'Red Champagne' is an old variety of culinary rhubarb that has been tested for its reliability, low maintenance, and early production. This cultivar has long, scarlet stems that are deliciously sweet to the taste. Technically a vegetable, use just the stalks as a fruit in the production of preserves and desserts. Remove the large leaves and discard before cooking. Bold spikes of white flowers emerge in summer and should be removed to encourage more foliage growth. Also makes for a beautiful ornamental in a sunny flower bed. Do not harvest until the second year. Deer resistant.

Classic eating variety with good stem color that easily does double service ornamentally as well. Anything referencing champagne always has some appeal. I am already in my mind sitting outside on a warm June morning eating rhubarb crisp for breakfast sharing mimosas with friends.