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Yelling leaves and red spots on rhubarb #875238

Asked June 29, 2024, 1:08 PM EDT

This rhubarb is more than 100 years old. We moved it last summer from a place that had grown to shady. It looked great earlier in the season. Now the leaves are yellowing and it’s getting red spots. What should we do? We have not fertilized it.

Ramsey County Minnesota

Expert Response

Thank you for your question to Extension. The red spots you are seeing on the leaves are probably a rust disease caused by a fungus or it could also be a leaf spot. Both diseases grow from too much water and not enough airflow (we have had plenty of rain this last month). It won't harm your rhubarb unless it spreads to the stalk. You were correct to move your plant to a sunnier location, and it's possible your plant is a little stressed from the transplanting. I would suggest removing the yellowing leaves and fertilize it each year with either compost or a light fertilizer. Here is an article explaining rhubarb care and it's diseases:

Growing rhubarb in home gardens | UMN Extension

An Ask Extension Expert Replied July 01, 2024, 4:37 PM EDT

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