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Gunnera manicata

Gunnera manicata

GUN-ner-ah man-ih-KAY-tah Audio

This is the granddaddy of big-leaved perennials. No other plant can so thoroughly alter the scale of a garden while calling such attention to itself.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsThe architectural leaves grow up to 6 feet across. They are rounded and deeply toothed, and they sit atop prickly stalks that extend to 10 feet tall and form giant clumps. This gunnera produces large, bottle-brush spikes of tiny reddish-green florets in the spring. It looks particularly at home at the water's edge. 

CarePrefers deep, moist soil, in sun or partial shade. Shelter from drying winds. It may survive a colder zone with the protection of a dry mulch.

PropagationSow seed when fresh, and overwinter in a cool, frost-free location. Germination is slow. Take basal leaf cuttings in spring.

ProblemsSnails and slugs.

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  • Genus : Gunnera
  • Zones : 10, 7, 8, 9
  • Plant Height : 6 to 10 feet
  • Plant Width : 6 to 10 feet
  • Growth Rate : Fast
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Maintenance : Low
  • Moisture : Medium Moisture
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Flower Color : Red, Yellow
  • Characteristics : Showy Foliage, Showy Seed Heads
  • Bloom Time : Spring
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest

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