RHEUM palmatum var. tanguticum. Given the rage for perennials with giant leaves (you did know that, didn’t you?), it was inevitable that we would try to extend our niche with something a little hardier than the giant gunneras. This is a close relative of the commercial rhubarb we–or at least some of us–eat. It has leaves up to 3’ high and 2’ broad, round in overall outline but deeply lobed. The leaves are deep green, the stalks reddish. In summer it throws up even taller, branched flower stems bearing narrow clusters of red, petal-less flowers and similarly colored, winged fruits. It thrives in sun or part shade but needs rich soil and plenty of water. Winter-deciduous and hardy to below 0^oF.