List 2 – Gunnera manicata

Gunnera manicata (giant gunnera)

Family: Gunneraceae

2.3 gunnera manicata

USDA Hardiness Zone: 7-10

Size:

  • 8-14 ft wide
  • 6-10 ft tall

Form:

  • Large, rounded clump

Soil & Water requirements:

  • Constantly moist to wet soil
  • Does well in boggy conditions
  • Fertile; hummus rich soil
  • Rarely succeeds in hot, dry climates

Exposure:

  • Part shade
  • Needs a mild location; not to exceed 100-200m above sea level
  • In cooler areas with high wind levels, place in a sheltered location

Leaves:

  • Leaves are wrinkly and rough on top; sandpaper texture
  • Petiole and backs of leaves are prickly
  • 3m long petiole with leaves up to 3m across
  • Leaves remain horizontal
  • Foliage dies back in winter to reveal a hairy crown
  • Herbaceous perennial

Flowers:

  • Cone-like inflorescence
  • Bloom time: June to July

Fruit:

  • Orange, berry-like

Maintenance:

  • Before winter, cut leaves and lay upside-down over the crown; this protects against damage over the winter

Suitable uses:

  • Water’s edge
  • Bold waterside feature
  • Pond, bog, water gardens
  • Large gardens; parks

Other:

  • Requires lots of space; one of the largest herbaceous perennials
  • Can be confused with gunnera tinctoria; a similar, weedy species; not as large

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