If you have an area with some moisture, and you want a dramatic looking foliage plant, then Gunnera manicata may be the plant for you.
Gunnera manicata is often referred to as ornamental rhubarb or giant rhubarb (and no, it is NOT edible). A real feature in any garden, huge leaves are a stand out in any situation.
Gunnera manicata can reach a good height it has leaves up to 3m long with spiked stems. Gunnera prefer a moist position to do well. With a good specimen you can stand beneath the foliage, a luminous green umbrella that enchants children and grown ups as well. These plants will reach nearly 3m in height with a similar spread.
Regarded as one of the largest of all perennial plants Gunnera manicata can make a feature plant in a bog garden.
If you are looking for something smaller growing than consider Gunnera Prorepens, this is a ground cover plant, that grows in light shade. Very interesting bright red candles of seeds that follow the flowers.
Care
It will need space, and year round moisture so consider this when planting.
In winter the foliage will die back although in warmer climates it can be almost evergreen. They are frost tolerant and grow well as far south as Tasmania.
In spring the large buds will come back to life pushing out those giant leaves. Propagation is by division or from seed.
Clump forming the foliage can be almost 2m across on tall stems. Dying back in winter it does like pond margins and boggy soils however can be successfully grown in any consistently moist soil. Drip irrigation will be sufficient in many cases.
Care Summary
Information
- Height – The tall stems will lift the leaves to (3m) 9ft in height in good conditions.
- Spread – A individual leaf can be over 1 metre (3 ft) across. A clump will spread over time to take up as much suitable soil as it can. Easily controlled by removal of the offsets.
- Position – Full sun to part shade. Part shade in warmer climates.
- Soil – Best is permanently damp soils, Gunnera will grow in boggy soils in pond margins.
- Fertiliser – In naturally boggy soils the plant will thrive on the nutrients in the soil itself. In soils that are irrigated you will need to apply good amounts of fertiliser each spring. Try top dressing with aged compost and cow or sheep manure.
Landscaping Uses
This is a foliage plant, and one of the most impressive in terms of size and foliage colour. It can add amazing texture to the garden and in the right conditions is very easy care.
Being one of the most impressive foliage plants available, landscapers should make more effort to create conditions suited to its need. Some simple irrigation from spring through summer and a water retentive soil will do the trick.
Pruning
As winter comes around, the foliage will begin to die back, you can cut the foliage back to ground level and leave them around the plant as a natural mulch.
Gunnera manicata are available from the following nurseries
412 James Lane, Fern Hill VIC. 3458 - Phone 0419002651
Large range of Rare plants, Climbers, Bulbs, Perennials Fruit Trees, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. Available both Retail and by Mail Order
www.whitehousenursery.com.au
125 Palmer Rd Jindivick 3818
Open Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm
Specialising in growing and selling Rare and Unusual Trees, shrubs Perennials Bulbs and Climbers, a unique nursery with amazing stock.
www.muskersbroughtonhall.com.au
Large variety of Epimediums, Woodland plants and Herbaceous perennials
Mail order or nursery. We do not send to Tasmania or WA
www.cloverhillrareplants.com
PO Box 7040 Leura NSW 2780
Rare woodland plants, Trilliums Epimediums, Arisaemas, plus much more.www.lynnsrareplants.com.au
email ask@plantmark.com.au
One of Australia's largest wholesale trade nurseries. Over 30,000 species available, tubestock to advanced trees, an almost unlimited choice of plants.
www.plantmark.com.au
17 McCarthy Rd Monbulk, Vic, 3793, Australia
Specialising in propagation and production of over 900 species / varieties of ornamental plants, perennials & rare plants. Supplying nurseries, landscapers & others. Minimum quantities apply! Contact us to discuss plants or growing requirements.
www.devontubestock.com