Rhubarb

Wondering if anyone can help. I have a rhubarb plant that seems inclined to put out its stalks at a 45 degree angle and very low to the soil, I wouldn't mind but it seems the stalks are less sturdy it seems and in wet weather it the lower stalks seem prone to rotting back a bit due to contact with soil I think. It is inherited so not sure of variety. (I have some other rhubarb that I grew from seed which stand quite upright). I'm wondering if this is this particular variety's habit (it has very dark leaves, other than that it looks like, well, rhubarb!) or perhaps something else like it needs splitting?

Appreciate any help.

 

Maybe a mulch of well rotted manure and then straw to keep the stalks off the soil...

 

Stack a circle of bricks round it so it can only grow up, that would also partially blanche the stems

 

@Loofah no cat nappers about, I don't think it's been split for at least 4 years and neglected by previous owner, but it doesn't look overly crowded to me, about 5 nice crowns, as I've seen plants a lot bigger than that standing to attention. Suppose I will have to wait to winter to do that.

@Lolimac I've tried that but they still get a bit soggy here and there in wet weather. I wonder if some kind of twiggy arrangement might work?

@Zigs that's a good idea, however, I'm struggling with how to make a pile of bricks look attractive in my jardin dans le Fens.

Thanks for suggestions.
GG

 

Half size hand made bricks, formed like a well, bedded on lime mortar.

Or... a woven circular willow hurdle

 

Zig, I really don't think the brick contraption would fit in with the rest of the garden as the rhubarb patch is pretty much worked into flowers and herbs, but the willow hurdle might just be the idea, if I can source the material. Never done hurdling (is that the word?) before but love to have a try. Cheers GG