Dear Sven,

I bought a Rheum Palmatum (Chinese Rhubarb) several months ago and it had two leaves. Now as it is hibernating, the leaves have died down. How do I overwinter this plant? It is in a pot and I have put it in my shed - I have also kept the compost dry. What else do I need to do to keep it alive so that I can plant it out next year?

Thanks!

Our Gardens Expert replies:

Hi there,

Rheum palmatum is a fantastic bold foliage plant with tall flower spikes in spring and summer. They really like a moist position and will survive in most soil types. They will survive happily outside in this country and can have a 2-2.5m spread.

I would definitely keep it in a dark shed over winter. Don't allow it to totally dry out but don't keep it too wet either otherwise it could rot. Seeing as the plant will be happy planted in the garden during the winter you could safely say that it is best not to keep it totally dry. In the spring give it a good dose of plant feed and plant it out when it looks like it is jumping to life.

Hope that works!

Sven