Gunnera manicata
giant gunnera
Gunneraceae
list 2.12
- Perennial
- Native to southern hemisphere
- Not cold hardy. Will not grow 100 m above sea level in Vancouver.
- A giant perennial, 3 m high. Massive, palmately lobed, spiny leaves.
- Rhizome/stalk partially above ground.
- Requires specialized maintenance. In fall, leaves should be cut off, turned upside-down and placed on the base to cover it for the winter.
- Very tolerant of water. Cannot tolerate dry soil. Part shade is best.
- Works in large, wet spaces, such as next to a pond in a park or large private property. Useful for a spot with poor drainage that stays wet all the time. Also suitable for an area that gets lots of children for visitors as the plant has a fair amount of novelty appeal.
