Gunnera tinctoria-Giant Gunnera
Gunnera is one of South America's most recognizable additions to our gardens with individual leaves that can fill the back of a small pickup. It is a gigantic primeval-looking plant that thrives at the edge of a pond or stream and will if wind protected grow some 7 feet high and some 6 feet accross. Native to the cloud forests of Chile, it looks tropical and exotic. It needs rich moist soil --for that matter a lot of garden room. It does well here in the Pacific Northwest, less so in the East and Southeast as it dislikes the high summer humidity.
Protect from muskrats or mountain beavers as the roots are edible to such creatures.
Mulch with its own leaves as to make a tent over the plant. Or use cedar branches etc. Do not mulch with compacting leaves.
Zones 7-10
PLANTING INFO ......
Preferably Zones 8 and higher
Foliage Fireworks
Height 6 ft. or more
Leaves make great molds for casting
Light requirements: some shade to full sun
Not for the beginner
Cold hardy to zone 8
Needs well drained but moist locations
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