UNEXPECTED CONSEQUENCE OF LOCKDOWN?
Does adversity bring out the best in you? Or is it warm sunshine that brings a blush to your cheek and a song to your heart?
If you said yes to either question, you may be distantly related to the Chinese ornamental rhubarb (Rheum palmatum) which is currently delighting locals in Hopetoun Crescent Garden.
The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh gifted this specimen to the Friends group there over 15 years ago. Only now has it come into its own.
RGBE botanist Dr Greg Kenicer says why these plants choose to flower when is hard to fathom. It may be because they’re shocked; it may be that they’re content.
But it’s also not impossible that a reduction in traffic during the lockdown, and the consequent lowering of emissions, has had an influence.
‘I think its’ because they produce such a big flowerhead that a lot of rhubarbs take quite a time to mature (several years). Other things that do that are often biennial – they just flower once then run out of food reserves.
‘Rhubarbs as perennials probably need to build up reserves under the ground so that they don't burn themselves out. Following this, they can flower year on year.’
So, if you ever have the feeling that you haven’t bloomed yet, do not despair.
Chances are that you’re simply building up some reserves. Your time will come.
[With thanks to Eileen Dickie for images and alerting us to this story.]