Species gunnera
dense, spiky clusters of reddish-brown flowers, large green leaves, and thick green stems

gunnera

Gunnera tinctoria

Gunnera tinctoria is an amazing plant species. The giant leaves of this evergreen perennial can reach an impressive width of up to 3 feet across, giving the plant an impressive presence and earning it the common name of Giant rhubarb. The elaborate flowering clusters can draw hummingbirds, bees, and other pollinators while producing fruits in the form of hard, spiny nuts. Gunnera tinctoria is also amazingly heat and cold tolerant, thriving even in zones 6-9. With its low-maintenance and long-lasting beauty, Gunnera tinctoria is an excellent addition to any garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation,Planting Runners

Hardiness Zone:

7 - 9

Flowers:

Dull red Flowers

Sun:

full sun,part sun/part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Watering gunnera plants should be done regularly, with the frequency of watering depending on soil type. In sandy soils, water heavily every 5 to 7 days. In clay soils, water deeply every 7 to 10 days. Avoid shallow watering and drought conditions as this will cause the leaves to wilt and the plant to become stressed. During the summer months, gunnera plants may need to be watered daily. In areas with more natural rainfall, water may not need to be provided at all. If the leaves start to yellow or droop, this is an indication the plant needs more water.

sunlight

Gunnera tinctoria needs full sun for best growth. Plants should be placed in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, preferably in the morning and early afternoon. Gunnera tinctoria can tolerate partial shade and part-sun locations but may not flower or fruit if not in a sunny location. It's best to make sure Gunnera tinctoria receives direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day in order to promote optimal growth and flowering.

pruning

Gunnera tinctoria should be pruned back annually early in the spring season, immediately after flowering. Pruning should remove all flower stems, dead and dying foliage, and any large or woody stems that have been damaged over the winter. Prune the plant back by up to 1-third of its total size to encourage new growth and maintain its shape. The pruned stems should be cut back to just above the point of emergence of healthy leaves. Regular pruning is necessary to prevent Gunnera tinctoria from becoming too woody, unkempt, and unproductive.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Gunnera tinctoria typically starts flowering in June.

Hardiness Map