10 Chinese Rhubarb Seeds-rheum Palmatum-ornamental Rhubarb, Turkey, Indian Rhubarb Although often mistaken for the more familiar species of R. rhubarbarum, Rheum palmataum differs from it considerably in terms of shape and size. Whereas the more common garden plants can only grow up to a few feet, Chinese Rhubarbs can mature as much as much as six to ten foot in length. The leaves of the plant are large, jagged and shaped like hands. The flowers are usually yellow or white but may bloom to a beautiful red when mature. Chinese Rhubarbs ideally require a rich and moist soil to grow effectively. One can easily identify a Chinese Rhubarb by its thick and deep roots, which is discernable from other species of garden plants