Rhubarb, Canadian Red, Bare Root

Rhubarb ‘Canadian Red’ (Rheum rhabarbarum)

‘Canadian Red’ Rhubarb is a cold-hardy, vigorous variety prized for its deep red stalks, excellent flavor, and reliable production. Sweeter and more tender than many other rhubarb cultivars, this variety is perfect for pies, jams, sauces, and preserves. Unlike some varieties that turn green inside, ‘Canadian Red’ maintains its rich color throughout the stalk, making for beautifully vibrant dishes. Once established, it’s a long-lived perennial that thrives in temperate climates with minimal care.

Key Characteristics

• Deep Red, Tender Stalks
  ‘Canadian Red’ produces thick, juicy stalks that retain their deep red color both inside and out. This makes it an excellent choice for colorful desserts and preserves without the need for added food coloring.

• Excellent for Baking and Preserving
  With a naturally sweet and tangy flavor, this rhubarb is ideal for pies, crumbles, compotes, and homemade jams. Its fine-textured stalks cook down smoothly, adding a rich depth of flavor to both sweet and savory dishes.

• Cold-Hardy and Productive
  Exceptionally well-suited for northern climates, ‘Canadian Red’ is a tough perennial that withstands harsh winters and produces reliably year after year. Once established, it can be harvested for decades with minimal maintenance.

• Great for Perennial Food Forests and Gardens
  Rhubarb is a fantastic addition to food forests, homestead gardens, and permaculture systems. It provides an early-season harvest, suppresses weeds with its large leaves, and pairs well with fruit trees, berry bushes, and nitrogen-fixing plants.

• Easy to Grow and Low Maintenance
  Prefers full sun and well-drained, fertile soil with good organic matter. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds. Once established, rhubarb is relatively drought-tolerant and pest-resistant, making it a low-fuss perennial for any edible landscape.

Product Details

• Sun Requirements: Full sun
• Soil Requirements: Medium, well-drained, rich in organic matter
• Mature Height: 2–3 feet
• Harvest Time: Spring through early summer
• Fruit Qualities: Deep red, tender, sweet-tart stalks
• Fruit Uses: Baking, preserving, sauces, fresh use
• Lifespan: Perennial, long-lived
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-8

‘Canadian Red’ Rhubarb is a must-have for gardeners looking for a hardy, delicious, and visually stunning perennial crop. Perfect for early-season harvests and packed with flavor, it’s a standout choice for any food-producing landscape.