Chilean Prickly Rhubarb
Gunnera tinctoria
SKU
03320
Enormous, puckered leaves of this tropical looking, prehistoric plant emerge in spring, reaching six feet across or more, creating a dramatic waterside or greenhouse specimen. In late spring, a robust stalk bearing bronzy-brown inflorescence adds to the exotic appeal. Evergreen in frost-free areas.
?
There are very few rules in gardening, but perhaps the most important one is to work within your zone. Choosing plants that grow and thrive in your particular climate is the very first step toward having a beautiful garden . Learn More
Filtered sun, Partial shade, Partial sun
Water regularly to maintain wet or evenly moist soil - weekly or more.
CHECK RETAILERS FOR AVAILABILITY:
- 101 Market
8980 Quantrelle Ave. N.e. Otsego MN 55330
- 14th Street Garden Center
793 Jersey Ave. Jersey City NJ 07303
- 3rd Avenue Floral & Greenhouse
1110 3rd Ave. West Dickinson ND 58601
- 4 Ever Green Ldsp. & Dgn
21457 214th Circle Ave Milford IA 51351
| Lore | In it's native cloud forest habitat, Gunnera tinctoria takes root nearly anywhere the soil has been disturbed. Its natural armor protects it from foraging animals. In South America, particularly Chile, the young leaf stalks are peeled and cooked or eaten raw. The taste is described as acidic and refreshing. Stems are also processed into preserves and liquor, and the juice is used as an astringent. Its roots are used as a black dye. The leaves are used to cover cooking pots and as roofing material in rural areas. Outside of South America, Gunnera tinctoria is primarily used as a distinctive landscape plant. |
|---|---|
| Average Size at Maturity | Huge leaves form a fast-growing clump 8 ft. tall and wide. |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Design Ideas | The large, dramatic foliage makes a spectacular focal point for a tropical or eclectic garden, where it adds an exotic, primeval look. Place at the edge of ponds, streams, or in a boggy part of the garden where little else will grow, and where it's large leaves will add exceptional texture and proportion. |
| Deciduous/ Evergreen | Deciduous |
| Flower Attribute | Showy Flowers |
| Flower Color | Green |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Growth Habit | Clumping |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Landscape Use | Specimen, Very Wet Areas, Water Garden |
| Light Needs | Filtered sun, Partial shade, Partial sun |
| Soil Needs | All-Purpose Plant Food |
| Special Feature | Tolerates Wet Soils, Year-round Interest |
| Water Needs | High |
| Watering Needs | Water regularly to maintain wet or evenly moist soil - weekly or more. |
Prefers rich, well-drained soil and cool summer climates. Water regularly to maintain damp soil. Prune to six inches from ground annually to rejuvenate; use care to avoid spines. Protect the crown with pruned leaf stalks or mulch before thread of frost, to protect through winter. Feed with a controlled release fertilizer when new growth begins in spring.
Write Your Own Review
This Plant's Growing Zones: 7 - 9
Your climate may be too cold for this plant