Rhubarb: Easy, Ornamental & Deer-Resistant!

Introduction

What is Rhubarb?

Rhubarb is a hardy perennial plant known for its large, edible stalks and its ability to thrive in early spring, making it a popular choice for vegetable gardens. While the rhubarb plant is a great addition to any garden, it’s also toxic to deer due to the oxalic acid in its leaves, which makes it one of the deer-resistant garden plants.

Growing rhubarb is a good strategy for keeping deer away, as they tend to avoid root vegetables and leafy greens like rhubarb that are toxic or unpalatable to them. Historically, rhubarb has been valued not only as a garden vegetable but also for its medicinal uses, and it remains a beloved ingredient for pies and other dishes today.

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Why Choose Rhubarb?

Choosing to grow rhubarb in your vegetable garden offers several benefits, particularly as one of the most effective deer-resistant garden plants. The rhubarb plant contains oxalic acid in its leaves, making it toxic to deer and thereby helping to deter these hungry animals from eating other more palatable garden vegetables.

Rhubarb’s early spring emergence and the presence of young shoots provide a fresh food source long before other plants are ready for harvest, while its ability to minimize deer damage makes it an excellent choice for gardens in areas with heavy deer populations.

Additionally, planting rhubarb can reduce the need for tall fences or other protective measures, as its toxic nature keeps deer from feeding on it, allowing gardeners to focus on growing a variety of root vegetables, leafy greens, and other food without constant worry about deer.

Understanding Rhubarb

What Makes Rhubarb Unique?

Rhubarb stands out among perennial plants due to its unique botanical characteristics and its utility in the garden. Growing rhubarb involves planting this hardy vegetable, which thrives in early spring and produces edible stalks, unlike most perennial plants that focus on either foliage or roots.

Rhubarb’s prickly, toxic leaves are specifically designed to deter deer, making it an effective deer resistant garden plant, whereas many other perennials are either palatable to deer or lack such protective features.

Additionally, while most perennial plants might be root vegetables or leafy greens, rhubarb is distinct for its toxicity to deer and its ability to help minimize deer damage in a vegetable garden.

Varieties of Rhubarb

When growing rhubarb, gardeners can choose from several common varieties, each with distinct characteristics suited to different growing zones. For example, ‘Victoria,’ which thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 3-8, is known for its bright red stalks and robust growth habit, making it a popular choice for vegetable gardens.

‘Crimson Red,’ suitable for Zones 2-7, features deep red stalks and is highly valued for its vibrant color and tenderness, while ‘German Wine,’ which performs best in Zones 3-8, offers a unique greenish-pink hue and a slightly more tart flavor.

Each rhubarb plant varies in color and growth, but all share the traits of being deer-resistant and having toxic leaves that deter deer, which helps minimize deer damage in garden settings.

Growing Rhubarb In Your Garden

Want an easy edible that looks good too? Include rhubarb in your vegetable garden or your landscape, for brilliant color that the deer won’t bother. Perennial vegetables like rhubarb are such garden winners – plant them and have them in your garden for years to come, with very little maintenance. Tricia plants rhubarb in our video, and talks about its easy care. Rhubarb can grow in full sun or part shade.

Fresh Rhubarb Pie At Home

The most popular reason to plant rhubarb is to be able to enjoy springtime rhubarb pies, compotes, and crisps – and to create preserves. The leaves are inedible but the edible stalks are ready to hop into your pie plate. Did you know we have recipes on our site? On our Organic Gardening Resource Center page we have a list of Recipes, including a wonderful one for Rhubarb Crisp!

Rhubarb in the Kitchen

Rhubarb in the kitchen offers a delightful range of culinary possibilities, from traditional pies to modern sorbets. Growing rhubarb in your garden is a practical choice, as rhubarb plants are deer resistant, helping to minimize deer damage and deter hungry deer from your vegetable garden.

Rhubarb’s tart stalks are delicious in both sweet and savory dishes, while its leaves, though toxic to deer due to their high oxalic acid content, should be avoided for consumption. Whether you’re enjoying rhubarb in early spring or preserving it for winter, this versatile plant remains a beloved addition to many home gardens.

Cooking with Rhubarb

Rhubarb’s distinctive tartness makes it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes. For a classic dessert, you can prepare a Rhubarb Strawberry Crumble by combining chopped rhubarb with strawberries, sugar, and a buttery oat topping, then bake until golden.

If you’re in the mood for something savory, a Rhubarb Chutney is a great choice—simply cook chopped rhubarb with onions, ginger, and spices like cinnamon and cloves until thickened, then use it as a flavorful accompaniment to meats.

For a simpler option, you can make Rhubarb Jam by simmering rhubarb with sugar and a splash of lemon juice until it becomes a sweet spread. Additionally, Rhubarb Sauce can be made by cooking rhubarb with a bit of water and sugar until soft, perfect for drizzling over yogurt or ice cream.

Rhubarb Pairings and Combinations

Rhubarb’s tartness is beautifully complemented by a variety of flavors. It pairs well with sweet fruits like strawberries and apples, which balance its sharpness in desserts. For a seasonal treat, try a Rhubarb and Strawberry Crisp:

Ingredients:

For the Filling:

• 3 cups rhubarb, chopped into 1-inch pieces

• 2 cups strawberries, hulled and halved

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Crisp Topping:

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

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   Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, mix the rhubarb, strawberries, sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Transfer to a 9×13-inch baking dish.

3. Make the Crisp Topping: In a separate bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Sprinkle over the fruit filling.

4. Bake: Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.

In savory dishes, rhubarb works well with herbs like mint and tarragon. Try a Rhubarb and Cucumber Salad with Fresh Herbs:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rhubarb, thinly sliced

• 1 large cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped

• 1/4 cup fresh tarragon leaves, chopped

• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup

• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salad: In a bowl, combine rhubarb, cucumber, mint, tarragon, and red onion (if using).

2. Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper.

3. Toss and Serve: Pour dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.

Additionally, in the fall, consider a Rhubarb and Apple Chutney:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rhubarb, chopped

• 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped

• 1/2 cup chopped onion

• 1/2 cup raisins

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chutney: In a large saucepan, combine all ingredients. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is thickened and the fruit is tender.

2. Cool and Store: Let cool before transferring to jars. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or process in sterilized jars for longer storage.

These recipes highlight rhubarb’s versatility, allowing you to enjoy its unique flavor in both sweet and savory dishes throughout the year.

Colorful Stalks Brighten Your Garden

Grow rhubarb for its good looks too. If you choose a variety with red or pink stalks you’ll have a dramatic contrast with the dark green leaves. There is a range of colors in rhubarb varieties, but they all have the same flavor. Open-pollinated rhubarb varieties will show some variation in color. A gardener recently asked us if the stalk colors change with soil pH (like the flower color in hydrangeas) – and the answer is no, the stalk colors don’t fluctuate with pH. Ivette Soler, author of The Edible Front Yard, says that rhubarb “has the ornamental impact of that other architectural edible, the artichoke, with equally impressive leaves.” Use it as the centerpiece or to mark the corners of your garden areas.

Ornamental Appeal of Rhubarb

Ornamental appeal of rhubarb stems from its striking leafy greens and vibrant stalks, which add a unique visual element to garden design. Growing rhubarb in your garden not only enhances the aesthetic but also serves a practical purpose, as rhubarb plants are deer resistant due to their toxic oxalic acid and prickly leaves.

This makes rhubarb an excellent choice for deterring hungry deer and minimizing deer damage in a vegetable garden. Incorporating rhubarb into your landscape design can provide both beauty and functionality, especially when paired with other deer resistant garden plants.

Incorporating Rhubarb into Garden Design

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Incorporating rhubarb into garden design can create a striking focal point with its bold, leafy greens and vibrant stalks. Rhubarb plants are ideal for blending with companion plants like garlic and onions, which help deter deer and minimize deer damage due to their strong scents.

For creative landscape design, consider using rhubarb as a natural barrier around vegetable gardens to protect other food plants from hungry deer. Additionally, pairing rhubarb with decorative elements like tall fences and mulch can enhance its visual appeal while keeping deer at bay.

Rhubarb in Containers

Growing rhubarb in containers offers several benefits, including better control over soil quality and protection from deer damage, as rhubarb is a deer resistant plant. To successfully grow rhubarb in pots, choose large containers to accommodate the plant’s extensive root system and use well-rotted manure for rich, nutritious soil.

Container care includes ensuring adequate drainage and providing mulch to retain moisture, especially during the growing season. By placing containers strategically, you can also keep rhubarb plants away from hungry deer and other pests.

Rhubarb is a Deer-Resistant Edible

Do you have a herd of deer that think your garden is their home away from home? They’ll probably turn up their pretty noses at rhubarb. The rhubarb leaves contain a poison (oxalic acid) and eating the leaves is toxic for deer and humans alike.

Why Rhubarb is Deer-Resistant

Rhubarb is considered deer-resistant primarily due to its toxic oxalic acid and prickly, hairy leaves, which deter hungry deer from eating it. Unlike some deer-resistant garden plants, rhubarb’s unappealing taste and texture effectively minimize deer damage.

This contrasts with other deer-resistant plants such as garlic and onions, which use strong odors to keep deer away. Growing rhubarb in a vegetable garden can help protect more vulnerable plants by leveraging these natural deer-resistant properties.

Other Pest Resistance

Rhubarb is effective at repelling several common garden pests due to its toxic oxalic acid and prickly, hairy leaves. Pests such as aphids and certain insects generally avoid rhubarb plants, making them a useful addition to a garden for natural pest control.

By growing rhubarb, you can help protect other garden vegetables and herbs from these unwanted invaders, enhancing overall garden health. This resistance to pests, combined with its deer-resistant properties, makes rhubarb a valuable asset in maintaining a thriving vegetable garden.

Low Maintenance Requirements

Rhubarb is renowned for its low maintenance requirements, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners. Once established, rhubarb plants are hardy and require minimal care, thriving with just basic maintenance like adding well-rotted manure and occasional weeding.

Its deer-resistant nature also means fewer pest-related concerns, as it deters hungry deer with its toxic oxalic acid and prickly leaves. This ease of care, combined with its robust growth, ensures that even novice gardeners can enjoy a productive vegetable garden with minimal effort.

Environmental Benefits of Growing Rhubarb

Growing rhubarb offers significant environmental benefits, particularly in enhancing soil health. The robust rhubarb plants contribute to soil structure by reducing erosion and improving nutrient retention through their deep root systems.

Additionally, the use of well-rotted manure as fertilizer and the addition of mulch around rhubarb helps enrich the soil surface, promoting a healthier garden ecosystem. Rhubarb also supports local ecosystems by providing a deer-resistant plant option that deters hungry deer and minimizes deer damage, thus supporting a balanced and resilient garden environment.

Rhubarb is a Perennial

Rhubarb, like all perennial vegetables, will flower as part of its growth, as shown in our top photo. Some gardeners see the leaves of rhubarb and think it’s a leafy green – then become concerned that the rhubarb is bolting when it flowers. Fear not. Purdue University does say you can remove the flowers to let the growing energy go to other parts of the plant, so if the flowers worry you, go ahead and snip them off. For more information about growing rhubarb, consult our Growing Guide and shop our collection of rhubarb crowns for sale.

Grow rhubarb for pie, grow it for looks, but don’t miss out on this easy edible!

Conclusion

In conclusion, rhubarb is a versatile and attractive addition to any garden, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits. Its deer-resistant properties, low maintenance requirements, and positive environmental impact make it an excellent choice for gardeners of all levels.

Whether you’re growing rhubarb for its vibrant stalks, its culinary uses, or its ability to deter pests, this hardy perennial proves to be a valuable asset in enhancing your garden’s health and beauty. Embrace rhubarb in your garden to enjoy its numerous advantages and enrich your gardening experience. For high-quality rhubarb crowns, visit Rhubarb Crowns for Sale.

FAQs About Rhubarb: Easy, Ornamental & Deer-Resistant!

• 1. What makes rhubarb deer-resistant?

  • Rhubarb is considered deer-resistant primarily due to its toxic oxalic acid found in the rhubarb leaves and its prickly texture. These properties make rhubarb an unappealing wild food source for deer, effectively deterring deer eating and minimizing damage to other vegetable plants. Unlike certain plants, rhubarb’s toxicity and prickly vegetables are not palatable to deer.

• 2. Can I grow rhubarb in containers?

  • Yes, you can successfully grow rhubarb in containers. Using large pots filled with well-rotted compost and ensuring adequate drainage can help rhubarb thrive. Container gardening also allows for easier control over soil quality and helps protect rhubarb from pests and deer, without the need for a tall fence.

• 3. What are some companion plants for rhubarb?

  • Rhubarb pairs well with deer-resistant garden plants such as garlic, onions, and fennel. These companions help to deter deer and other pests. Avoid planting root vegetables like carrots and beets near rhubarb, as their growth can compete for nutrients and interfere with the rhubarb’s development.

• 4. How do I care for rhubarb in winter?

  • In winter, it’s important to protect rhubarb from harsh conditions. Mulch around the base of the rhubarb plant with compost or straw to insulate the soil and protect the young shoots. Rhubarb is hardy but can benefit from some protection against extreme cold and frost.

• 5. When is the best time to harvest rhubarb?

  • Rhubarb is typically harvested in early spring through summer, before the plant’s leaves start to bolt. The stalks should be firm and vibrant in color. Avoid harvesting during the plant’s first year to allow it to establish strong roots.

• 6. How do I incorporate rhubarb into my garden design?

  • Rhubarb’s vibrant stalks and large, attractive leaves make it a great focal point in garden design. Use rhubarb as a backdrop or natural barrier to protect more tender vegetable plants from deer. Pair it with other ornamental or edible plants to create a visually appealing and functional garden space. For added protection, you might still consider a tall fence around the garden.

• 7. Can rhubarb be used in cooking?

  • Absolutely! Rhubarb’s tart flavor makes it ideal for a variety of recipes, including pies, crisps, and jams. It pairs well with sweet fruits like strawberries and apples and can also be used in savory dishes like chutneys. Be sure to only use the edible stalks, as the leaves are toxic.

• 8. What are some common pests that affect rhubarb?

  • While rhubarb’s prickly leaves and toxic properties make it less attractive to many pests, it can occasionally be targeted by aphids and slugs. Regularly check for these pests and use appropriate controls, such as removing them by hand or using organic pesticides.

• 9. How does rhubarb contribute to soil health?

  • Rhubarb helps improve soil health through its deep root system, which can reduce soil erosion and enhance nutrient retention. The plant also benefits from well-rotted compost, which enriches the soil surface and supports a balanced garden ecosystem.

• 10. Is rhubarb a good choice for beginner gardeners?

  • Yes, rhubarb is an excellent choice for beginners due to its low maintenance requirements. Once established, it requires minimal care beyond basic weeding and composting. Its hardy nature and resistance to deer and pests make it a reliable and rewarding addition to any garden. Additionally, it can help avoid the need for a tall fence and simplify garden management.

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