Saxifragaceae
Indian rhubarb: Ground Cover Plant
Darmera peltata
Grow outdoors in constantly moist to boggy, humus-rich soil, in partial shade or full sun if the soil stays wet. Hardy to roughly USDA zones 5 to 9 and rarely troubled by pests or disease. Keep well watered in spring and summer, cut back old leaves after flowering, and divide the rhizomes in spring when clumps get crowded. Young spring growth can be damaged by late frost.
Every 2 days
Partial shade
-29° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Indian rhubarb?
Indian rhubarb (Darmera peltata) is a easy-care plant from the Saxifragaceae family. Indian rhubarb (Darmera peltata) is a bold, clump-forming perennial of the saxifrage family, native to streamsides in northern California and southern Oregon. In spring, tall leafless stems carry domed clusters of pale pink to white starry flowers before the foliage appears. The rounded, glossy, umb...
Indian rhubarb grows up to 1.2m, spread of 90cm, watering every 2 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Indian rhubarb tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Indian rhubarb is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Indian rhubarb?
TLDR: Indian rhubarb needs Partial shade, watering every 2 days, and temperatures between -29-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Indian rhubarb?
Keep the soil constantly moist or boggy, it can even grow at the water edge. Do not let it dry out, as the large leaves scorch and wilt quickly.
How Much Light Does Indian rhubarb Need?
Partial shade is best in average garden soil. Full sun is tolerated only where the soil stays reliably wet.
What Is the Best Soil for Indian rhubarb?
Prefers rich, humus-heavy clay or loam that holds moisture. Tolerates acid, neutral or alkaline pH and poorly drained, boggy ground.
What Pot Should You Use for Indian rhubarb?
Mainly a garden plant. If potted, use a very large, deep container with moisture-retentive compost and keep it standing in a saucer of water.
What Is Indian rhubarb and Where Does It Come From?
Indian rhubarb (Darmera peltata) is a bold, clump-forming perennial of the saxifrage family, native to streamsides in northern California and southern Oregon. In spring, tall leafless stems carry domed clusters of pale pink to white starry flowers before the foliage appears. The rounded, glossy, umbrella-like leaves then expand up to about 45 cm across and turn red in autumn. It spreads slowly by creeping rhizomes, reaching 1 to 1.5 m tall. Hardy through the UK and northern Europe, it holds the RHS Award of Garden Merit and suits pond margins, bog gardens and damp borders.
How to Propagate Indian rhubarb?
Division in spring is the quickest, most reliable method.
- 1 In spring, lift an established clump with a spade.
- 2 Cut the creeping rhizome into sections, each with at least one bud or shoot.
- 3 Replant at the same depth in moist, humus-rich soil.
- 4 Water well and keep constantly moist while it re-establishes.
Do not bury the seed. Seedlings are slow to reach flowering size.
- 1 Sow seed on the surface of moist compost in containers in spring or autumn.
- 2 Keep in a cold frame. Germination takes 1 to 3 months at about 15 C.
- 3 Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle.
How Big Does Indian rhubarb Grow?
TLDR: Indian rhubarb can reach up to 1.2m tall with Medium growth rate.
Max height
1.2m
Spread
90cm
Growth rate
Medium
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Ground Cover
Soil coverage
Culinary Uses
- Peeled leaf stalks can be eaten raw, cooked like asparagus, or added to soups and stews
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Indian rhubarb?
TLDR: Indian rhubarb is susceptible to 2 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Slugs and Snails
Slugs and snails are mollusks that feed on plant tissue, causing irregular holes in leaves and damage to young seedlings. They are most active at night and in moist conditions, leaving characteristic silvery slime trails. These pests can quickly devastate gardens, especially during wet seasons.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
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