I have grown rhubarb for about 25 years in 4 different cities and various climatic zones. Many people who live in sub-tropical areas think that rhubarb does not like heat. In fact it loves it but you have to keep the soil moist at all times. Moist is the key word here, as wet soil will result in the plant dying on you with little to no notice. It will recover better from dry soil than wet soil. Ref: Jason Spotswood