Rheum officinale (Da Huang) 9 cm Pot

Growth habit & appearance: Rheum officinale, often called Da Huang or medicinal rhubarb, forms a striking clump of very large, lobed leaves held on thick, fleshy petioles that can easily reach over 2 metres across in good soil. In late spring to early summer it sends up tall, branching flower spikes topped with masses of creamy-white florets, giving real architectural presence at the back of a border or in a dedicated medicinal bed. The deep, woody rootstock develops considerable bulk over several years and is the traditional part used in herbal practice.

Growing conditions: This hardy perennial is well suited to the Irish climate and shrugs off winter cold in most sites once established. It prefers full sun and a deep, fertile, moisture-retentive but free-draining soil – conditions similar to culinary rhubarb. Because it becomes a very large plant, allow plenty of space around it and avoid cramped beds. All our Rheum officinale is raised from seed in our Co. Clare nursery, so plants are already adapted to Irish conditions and are supplied for planting out in Ireland only.

Traditional & herbal uses: The dried root of Da Huang has a long history in Chinese and wider European herbal traditions as a strong purgative for short-term relief of constipation and sluggish digestion. Modern pharmacological studies highlight its content of anthraquinone derivatives (such as emodin and rhein), tannins and other phenolics, which are associated with laxative, cholagogue, antimicrobial and gut-modulating effects. Research has explored extracts of Rheum species for supporting bowel motility, modulating the gut microbiome, and assisting liver and biliary function, as well as for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

Maintenance & harvesting: Plant Rheum officinale into a well-prepared, manured bed and keep well watered during its first season to encourage deep rooting. Mulch annually in late winter or early spring with garden compost or well-rotted manure, taking care not to bury the crown. Remove any flower spikes in the first couple of years if you wish to direct energy into root development; on older clumps you can allow a few spikes for ornamental effect and pollinators, then deadhead before seed ripens if you want to avoid self-sown seedlings. Roots for traditional use are usually harvested from plants at least three years old in winter when the plant has died back.