Gunnera manicata
(Brazilian Giant Rhubarb)
Family - Gunneraceae
Category - Perennial
Origin - Brazil
Year of Introduction - 1867
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer
Hardiness - H4
Height - up to 2.5m
Width - up to 4.0m
Location - The Stream Area
Description: An enormous, clump-forming herbaceous Perennial. Giant, round, dark green leaves are palmately lobed with toothed margins. Each leaf can reach more than 2 metres in length and is held on long, prickly stems that can reach more than 2.5 metres in length. In contrast to the giant leaves, very small reddish-pink flowers are produced in branched spikes at the base of the plant from late spring into early summer. Flowers are followed by small, round orange fruit.
Flower:
Masses of very small, reddish-pink flowers are produced in branched spikes at the base of the plant from May into June. The spikes often bear both male and female flowers, the basal flowers tending to be female. Flowers are followed by round, orange fruit.
Flower colour: Red
Flower shape: Small flowers in spikes
Flowering time: May, June
Foliage:
Massive, dark green, palmately lobed leaves with Dentate margins are held on prickly, long and sturdy stems that are produced at the base of the plant.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Palmately lobed
Propagation:
Seed, cuttings of basal buds in spring.
Cultivation:
Best in full sun to partial shade in perpetually moist soil. Will benefit from a sheltered position to protect the leaves from wind damage. The dead leaves are often used to cover and protect the crowns of the plant during the winter months.