[Sideways]

Has anyone had success with growing rhubarb in a shaded area?

I want to plant out some rhubarb soon, I have a great little spot next to a wall, well sheltered with good soil. The only problem is it spends 85% of the day in the shade. What do you think? worth a go?

[noshed]

They always say full sun, but rhubarb has huge leaves so you would have thought it would be able to manage in shade. Give it a whirl.

[flowerlady]

Might save on the 'forcing' effort too !!  :roll:  

[brucesgirl]

Mine has happily grown in the garden in shade for about 5 years, and last autumn I moved it to a shady spot on the allotment, so hope it will be alright there too. If it is near a wall you may need to mulch and water it so it doesn't dry out too much.

Good luck  

[Trillium]

Mine were all growing under trees when I moved to my last house, and the plants were monsters. Only criteria for rhubarb is soil. They just need to get their roots into soil and off they go. Well amended soil will give you even better crops. But I'd draw the line at deep, continuous shade.

[WhippetMaster]

My dad has been growing it in the shade for 25 years. Same well manured spot in a dark corner. Yields have been ok but not so good on some years, I would guess it likes the sun!!!

Iv'e just planted two crowns in a sunny spot, ask me next year!!!

[Ann]

We have grown it in the past in the shade of the garage wall and we couldn't keep up with the crop we got from it.

[matron]

Mine in the garden is by a wall whose other side is south facing so the rhubarb is shaded much of the time and we haven't had any problems. It was there when we moved in 16 years ago and house had been empty for 10 years so I think I can say it hasn't harmed it.  :!:  :!:

[Sideways]

Thanks all, some positive responses to planting in shade, will give it a go.