Perennials, Tropicals > Gunnera > Gunnera manicata > Gunnera manicata
Gunnera manicata
Giant Rhubarb, Gunnera
Origin: Native to Brazil and Columbia.
Mike's
Opinion
"
I wish I was in a warmer climate where I could grow this plant. As I child growing up in Cornwall, England, this plant was common in the large estate gardens but to a child's eye was not appreciated horticulturally; although because of its immense stature it was fun to play amongst. A South American native it requires lots of moisture and is often found growing in boggy situations. Those on the west coast can enjoy this plant although late frosts may be a concern for them and thus often some form of protection may still be required. I have tried to grow it as a potted plant but the results were always rather pathetic.
Michael Pascoe, NDP., ODH., CLT., MSc. (Plant Conservation)
"
| Family |
| Gunneraceae |
| Genus |
| Gunnera |
| Species |
| manicata |
| Category |
| Perennials, Tropicals |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 7-10 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| 8 |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H2 - H6 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| -18 to -5 |
| Temperature (°F) |
| 0 - 40 |
| Height |
| 2 - 3 m |
| Spread |
| 2.5 - 4 m |
Photographs
.jpg "Gunnera manicata, leaf. Burncoose Nursery and Gardens, Gwennap, Redruth, Cornwall, England.")
Cultivars
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Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
| General Description |
| The broad leaves provide excellent ground cover along ponds. The bright green leaves are contrasted by the yellow and red flowers. |
| Landscape |
| Ground cover, in urban & city gardens. |
| Cultivation |
| Best grown in rich, consistently moist soils and part shade. |
| Shape |
| Spreading and clumping habit. |
| Growth |
| Fast |
| Habitat |
| Found in areas with consistently moist soils; along the banks of lakes, rivers and streams. |
| Leaf Description |
| The large, green leaves are 2-3 m long, with toothed palmate margins and prominent veins. The leaves have small, prickly red hairs. |
| Flower Description |
| Small, reddish green flowers. |
| Fruit Description |
| The berry-like fruit is small and red. |
| Notable Specimens |
| Glendurgan Gardens, Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom. Trebah Garden Trust, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom. National Trust Trelissick Garden, Feock, near Truro, Cornwall, United Kingdom. Burncoose Nursery and Gardens, Gwennap, Redruth, Cornwall, England. |
| Propagation |
| Propagated from seed. Germination is slow and requires protection from frost. |
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