This immense Gunnera is endemic to Robinson Crusoe Island, in the Archipelago of Juan
Fernandez off the coast of Chile and forms large stands in moist, sheltered areas. Gunnera
peltata forms a stem up to 2 m tall. The gigantic leaves can reach 2 m in diameter and
emerge from a nest of ruby-red fibers at the apex of the stem. Although virtually
unknown in cultivation, it has extraordinary ornamental potential and will thrive in any
consistently cool climate.
Caring for gunnera plants:
Soil: Gunnera species grow in deep, permanently moist, humus-rich soil in sun or partial
shade. Large varieties need shelter from cold, drying winds and winter protection; all
varieties are unsuitable for high heat and humid climates.
Maintenance: Gunnera manicata demands a virtually unlimited water supply in their
growing season that's why it's ideally planted along the edge of a stream or a pond). Plant
it right after the last frost in spring and add as much compost, well-rotted manure and
slow-release fertilizer as possible to the soil. Even after the plant has settled in, massive
amounts of compost, manure and fertilizer are needed.
Protection: Unprotected crowns can not survive temperatures below 18 degrees. The
crowns of smaller varieties should be protected with dry mulch. The leaves of larger
varieties should be cut off after the first hard frost. Inverted, the leaves provide excellent
coverage for the resting crowns. Another method to help keep out moisture is to remove
leaves after the frost, cover the crown with 20 inches of straw, cover with a burlap tarp, or
large plastic container, such as a tub, and than add another 20 inches of straw. Seasoned
wood chips or sawdust will work even better. After all danger of a hard freeze is gone, in
late March or early April, protection can be removed. Then be sure to mulch the Gunnera
Uses: Gunnera plants may be planted in large containers for their first few years,
depending upon their need for deeply cultivated, moist, fertile soil, in a sheltered location.
Gunneras are great for waterside planting and other moist places. The crowns of these
plants should be protected in the winter by mulching with dead leaves.
The larger Gunnera make gorgeous architectural plants for the edge of a pond or stream, a
waterfalls setting, or a bog garden, while smaller species make interesting additions to a