Need info on gunnera manicata

[jdkline]

I am thinking of purchasing a gunnera manicata. I wondered if anyone here has this plant, what zone they are in, and what they do in winter to protect that plant. I saw somewhere that someone is zone 6 had this plant and they mulch it heavily with its own leaves and it comes back every year, however I am in zone 5. I am wondering if I could just bring this in and overwinter it in the basement like I do with my elephant ears and canna? If anyone has any experience with this plant, please let me know.
Thanks,
Deb

[zuzu's petals]

Hey Deb,
I really wanted Gunnera too, but ultimately, I felt that it's extreme demand for water,
coupled with the extraordinary size would just be too much for my relatively small garden.

I've read about a few people wintering over Gunnera in zone 6, too,
but I've also read about as many reports of them being lost following a particularly harsh winter in zone 7.
To be honest, I think that in zone 5, you would have to take some pretty aggressive measures
to protect a Gunnera left out of doors for the winter.
Some people say that they grow them in the ground, and then pot up their plant late in the season,
to move it into shelter for winter.

Another option that you might wish to consider (and something that is rated hardy to zone 5)
is Astilboides tabularis (syn. Rodgersia tabularis) CLICK HERE
it is not quite on the same scale as Gunnera, to be sure, but still pretty impressive,
with foliage measuring up to 3 feet across. It would sure be easier to manage when cold weather set in.

[jdkline]

Thank you so much for responding. I think that plant is just awesome but I also think I already have enough plants to over winter in the house. And its a little too iffy to try and keep it outside so I am going to check out the plant that you mention in your reply. Maybe that one would be a good subsitute for it.
Thanks so much!!
Deb

[jdkline]

That is a very impressive plant also plus it blooms too!! I am looking for plants to put in a bog garden around my pond so it fits in with those requirements also. Now I just have to find one around here. Wish me luck!!!!!
Deb

[zuzu's petals]

Happy hunting Deb!
They take several years to attain size from seed, but I know that I saw the seeds offered online
while I was searching for that picture, that might be one way to go.
I also saw an online catalogue that listed quart-sized plants for around $11, if I remember rightly.

[jdkline]

I found some seeds and I'm going to try them. Wish me luck!! LOL
Deb

[zuzu's petals]

I found some seeds and I'm going to try them. Wish me luck!! LOL
Deb

I've got my fingers crossed for you!

[dirtyfingernails]

Both Tabularis and Gunnera are related to the rhubarb family and require the same type of soil requirements. You should'nt have any problems,as they are very easy to germinate. Rich soil and plenty of water are all you will require.
Happy Gardening,
Bill

[jdkline]

Thank you very much!! I was wondering how easy they were to grow from seed. I thought it might be a lost cause trying it that way. But you have given me hope. I have a pretty good green thumb growing here so I think I can probably get them going. Thank you, thank you.
Deb

[jdkline]

OK I got the seeds!!!!!!! Got them in the soil already. Boy they sure are small. Got some in soil, held some back just in case these dont go too well. I'm so excited about them. I cant wait until they start growing. LOL Awwwww man, I love plants. LOL


Deb

[GARDEN GUY]

Hi
I am in a zone 5 area of Nova Scotia. I currently grow a Gunnera Manicata. They are quite hardy but need some care.
They require heavy winter protection, I cover mine with about 3ft of straw and cover with a tarp. First I cut back the leaves and invert them over the crown.
Mine will be two years this season and got up to 4ft last season with leaves 2 1/2 feet across.
I got mine from a gardening friend in Northern British Columbia in a zone 4 location. Hers is about 6 years old and reached a height of 12-14 ft with leaves 6-7 ft across. It covers an area 12 X 12ft.
They like sun with partial shade but must be kept very moist. They are heavy feeders as well. Liquid fish fertilizer works well. They also like acidic soil that contains compost and peat moss.
From seed will take a very long time, check on line and buy a potted one if possible.
Good luck....you will enjoy it very much....they are stunning.

[zuzu's petals]

That's fantastic info GARDEN GUY, thanks!
It's always great to read about someone's personal experiences with growing the plants that we wish to grow,
especially when those experiences can give us such great practical guidance.

Welcome to Plant Swap, I hope you'll stick around and enjoy!

[GARDEN GUY]

Thank you for your nice comments. I will help out when ever possible.
Is it possible to post photos here? I just started installing a Japanese Garden with a pond last summer and would greatly appreciate any comments or suggestions as how to continue.
Gary

[zuzu's petals]

Thank you for your nice comments. I will help out when ever possible.
Is it possible to post photos here? I just started installing a Japanese Garden with a pond last summer and would greatly appreciate any comments or suggestions as how to continue.
Gary

Pictures??? You betcha Gary, we LOVE pictures!
You can add online-hosted images to any of your posts
(I use PhotoBucket but there are quite a few sites that host online albums).
Another option here at Plant Swap is our wonderful Photo Gallery,
which allows you to browse and upload directly from your computer:
http://www.plantswap.net/photoplog/

I can't wait to see your garden, I'll bet it's stunning!

[GARDEN GUY]

Please look under "Japanese Garden Photos"....the "baby" Gunnera is there as well. Hope that you enjoy them.
Take care
Gary