Gunnera manicata is a large herbaceous perennial from the Gunneraceae family. Originating from Brazil, this plant is sometimes referred to as ‘Dinosaur food’ or ‘Giant rhubarb’ (even though not related to rhubarb) due to its enormously sized leaves. It takes a lot of energy to create such huge foliage making Gunnera a heavy feeder.

Considering this plants tropical origins, I love that it still grows so well in the UK. It is a spreading, clump forming plant with lobed, round leaves reaching 1-2m in width that are held up by spiky stems. Tiny red-brown flowers on erect panicles reach up to 1m in height. They consume a considerable amount of energy to produce so if you favour the foliage, you can maximize the leaf size by removing the flowers, then the energy will go into leaf production instead.

Gunnera is a hardy plant, but it can be damaged by winter frost. We cut the leaves down toward the end of October/ beginning of November and piled them, inverted, on top of the crown to protect the buds from frost damage through out the winter. This is not a necessity as Gunnera will survive -12°C, However, it is a common practice and I would highly recommend. We plan to remove the dead leaves in early spring to allow new growth to emerge (if it has not completely rotted down into mulch). After winter, the leaves start to emerge in February and reach up to 2m across by June. In April to May, Gunnera can be divided and replanted 10 feet away. Grow in permanently moist, humus-rich soil in full sun to partial shade and shelter from strong winds. This plant is a bog plant and will not grow when fully submerged in water. Ideal locations for Gunerra are margins of ponds, streams or in low ground where water regularly collects. If you do not have the right moisture requirements in your garden yet really want a Gunnera you can place a sprinkler next to the plant.