Chilean Prickly Rhubarb
Gunnera tinctoria
SKU
3320
Enormous, puckered leaves of this tropical, prehistoric plant can reach 6 ft. across and form a dramatic waterside or greenhouse specimen. Will not tolerate extreme heat or cold. Huge leaves form a fast growing clump 8 ft. tall and wide. Evergreen.
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7 - 9 Change
Filtered sun, Partial shade, Partial sun
Water regularly to maintain wet or evenly moist soil - weekly or more.
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| 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. |
| Key Feature | Dramatic Foliage |
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.
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