In late spring, corncob-like flower stalks 2 to 3 feet tall emerge near the roots that will turn into tiny berry-like (inedible) fruits. Gunnera is a tropical plant native to southern Brazil and Colombia. Consistently wet soil and a moderate climate are key to great gunnera growth.

Understanding the Context

Gunnera is the sole genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Gunneraceae, which contains 63 species. Some species in this genus, namely those in the subgenus Panke, have extremely large leaves. If you're looking to make a statement in your yard and have some low-lying ground to plant, the gunnera is a great choice for visual impact. Learn more about how to grow gunnera plants in this article.

Key Insights

Gunnera Plant Information - How To Grow Gunnera Plants - Gardening Know How Gunnera manicata, commonly called giant rhubarb, is one of the largest herbaceous perennials on earth, typically growing in a rounded clump to as much as 10' tall and to 14' wide. It is native to southern Brazil and Columbia. A very architectural plant, Gunnera manicata (Giant Rhubarb) is a large, herbaceous clump-forming perennial grown primarily for its gigantic, round to kidney-shaped, deep green leaves, up to 6 ft. across (180 cm). The researchers concluded that all large-leaved Gunnera species in Britain and Ireland today are either Gunnera tinctoria or Gunnera ร— cryptica, the previously overlooked hybrid plant.

Final Thoughts

Mature Gunnera need a compost heavy/peat amended garden soil with pumice or small stones that stays moist, but not soggy. They need a steady moisture supply during the hot spring and summer months, but good drainage especially during the wet season & in the winter when the plant is dormant.