Key features
AwardsRHS Award of Garden Merit
Final size0.5 x 1 metres in 20 years
FruitCooking and freezing
Pollination groupSelf fertile
Cropping periodApril to June
PositionPart shade to full shade
SoilPrefers moist yet well-draining soil
Description
‘Raspberry Red’ is a vibrant, award-winning early season rhubarb plant that produces tender, bright red stems. Rhubarb is ready for picking between April and June, but can also be forced for earlier cropping, with a delectably sweet flavour ideal for freezing or cooking—rhubarb crumble is a firm favourite of ours!
AKA Rheum x hybridum ‘Raspberry Red’, RHEUM rhabarbarum Raspberry Red
Planting Steps
1Preparation
- Pot-grown plants can be planted at any time of year, whereas bare roots need to be planted between November and March.
- Clear weeds and grass within a metre of the planting hole.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root mass and twice as wide.
- To help your plant establish more effectively, sprinkle Rootgrow in the hole.
2Planting
- Gently loosen the roots and place into the planting hole.
- Ensure the top of the plant’s compost is flush with the level of the surrounding soil and the graft union or collar of the tree is above ground level.
- Mix 50% of the original soil with 50% compost.
- Fill in the hole, firming the soil gently.
3Last Steps
- Water generously around the base of the plant.
- If you are planting either a single stem tree or mature standard tree, we recommend adding a staking kit and rabbit guard.
Aftercare Advice
Trees and shrubs require a good watering regime for a couple of years whilst they establish. Water well and regularly through spring and summer, increasing in hot or dry weather. If planting in autumn, you may only need to water a little. It is advisable to keep the area free of competing weeds and grass during this period.
For more detailed advice and video guides, please visit our Help & Advice section.
