Aged plant pleases
Anyone who has listened to Garrison Keillor’s “Prairie Home Companion,” has heard this master of America folklore extol the virtues of rhubarb pie. Just one piece of Beebopareebop Rhubarb Pie supposedly can cure or solve any problem known to man.
Rhubarb has been a garden staple for at least 4,000 years – first as a medicinal plant in its native China and then as a tasty filling for pies, tarts and a whole host of recipes across the northern latitudes. In traditional Chinese medicine, extracts of its root were used as a purge to rid the body of toxins. Other cultures along the Oriental trade routes used it in much the same way. Marco Polo mentioned it in his writings about his travels to China in the 1200s A.D.
Rhubarb is first mentioned as a food plant in Europe about 1778 and by 1800 was showing up in the produce markets in the new United States.
Rhubarb grows best in the northern latitudes where the cool climates let its huge leaves and thick stems develop their maximum size. Modern commercial crops are grown in Michigan, Washington, Ontario and other northern climes.
Rhubarb is a very easy plant to grow from root sections and will produce for eight to 15 years before it needs dividing. A good planting root will be at least as big as your hand with several pinkish growing buds at one end. They are available at most garden centers now or by mail order.
Rhubarb prefers a sunny location with well-drained soil amended with compost. Although it is quite drought tolerant once it is established, it grows better with a consistent supply of water. It likes a cup of 10-10-10 fertilizer in the early spring.
The color of the stalks depends on the variety. There are more than a dozen varieties available currently, and their stalks can vary in color from green through pink to deep red.
The plant needs to be left alone its first year. Stalks can be harvested for one to two weeks the second year after planting, and in succeeding years for several months. Select thick stalks, and separate them from the plant by taking hold of the stalk near the base of the plant and pulling firmly outward. Trim off the leaf, as it contains oxalic acid, a mild toxin.
Consider planting your rhubarb in your ornamental garden, where its large leaves are a bold, green presence. Large-leaved plants, hardy to our climate, are few and far between, and with garden styles going to the bold, tropical look, it is the perfect plant. Another point in rhubarb’s favor as an ornamental: It’s deer resistant. That’s a testament to its pucker power.