Just 12in high, rhubarb to grow on a balcony

IT is a gardening opportunity for city dwellers that is anything but a load of rhubarb.

For an enterprising plant firm has come up with a miniature rhubarb, pictured, which is ideal for growing on balconies and windowsills.

The plant, called Lilibarber, grows to about 12in compared to the regular variety, which can sprout to up to 5ft and swamp a decent-sized vegetable plot with its enormous leaves.

Horticultural firm Lubera says it works as a traditional dessert as well as with salads and spicy food.

Lilibarber, which grows from the start of summer until late autumn, was bred in Holland by accident. The growers had been looking to develop a larger variety by breeding from different species and produced the smaller version as a side product.

Lilibarber – the name is a combination of the words Lilliput and rhubarb – is available to buy online.