Rheum alexandrae

Fantastic ornamental rhubarb which we had the good fortune to see blooming in the wild along a river above Kangding in Sichuan in 2006. The Tibetans had harvested the flower stalks on the near side but the far side was a spectacle with large hand-sized overlapping cream-yellow bracts on 3'+ stems.

This species of rhubarb has heart-shaped leaves with green tops and intense burgundy veins. Tall spires of yellow flowers reach skywards in early summer protected by distinctive and amazing yellow bracts. A truly dramatic focal point plant. Prefers a deep, humus-rich, moisture retentive yet well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade.

Headlining a tall wondrous tower clothed in overlapping hand-sized creamy yellow bracts that veil its insignificant flowers and seeds, this magnificent perennial hails from the high altitude, lush marshy meadows and stream sides of Tibet and western China. Deep roots sprout a lustrous, low basal rosette defined by distinctive white-veined lance-shaped leaves. The long lasting scalelike bracts become streaked with burgundy, while autumn brings fiery claret and orange to the foliage. A seldom-offered rarity, Alexander's Rhubarb delivers extraordinary architectural panache to a sunny, yet cool, rich damp location.