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Indian Rhubarb

Darmera peltata

perennial herb View on Calscape

Care

Sun

part shade

Water

high

Soil

Standing; Adaptable.

Size

2–7ft tall , 2–3ft wide

Bloom

Mar-Nov

Foliage

Deciduous

Deer

Resistant

Edible

Corms eaten raw or cooked; traditionally used by Indigenous peoples

Native Range

Montane riparian areas and seeps of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade Range from Butte to Kern counties, 2000-7000 ft elevation.

Care Guide

Planting

Plant Indian Rhubarb in partial shade in a spot that stays consistently moist - ideally near a pond margin or in a bog garden where it can access standing water. The plant is adaptable to different soil types as long as drainage allows for wet conditions; avoid dry locations. Space plants to allow room for the slowly-spreading rhizomes to expand into an umbrella-like clump. Plant in spring or fall for best establishment.

After Planting

Keep the soil moist throughout summer; this is not a drought-tolerant plant and will suffer in hot, dry conditions. Indian Rhubarb is deciduous and will die back in winter, which is normal - no pruning is needed beyond removing dead foliage as it appears. The plant is cold-hardy to 5–10°F, so Bay Area winters won't harm it, but it dislikes heat; afternoon shade or proximity to water helps in warmer microclimates. The biggest mistake is planting it in dry soil or full sun; this plant demands consistent moisture to thrive.

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