Gunnera tinctoriaGiant Rhubarb
DESCRIPTION
Gunnera tinctoria, or Chilean Rhubarb, is a dramatic perennial known for its enormous, deeply lobed leaves that can grow up to 4-6 feet wide. Native to South America, this striking plant features stout, prickly stems and rough, bright green foliage with a glossy finish, while the undersides and stems are covered in spiky, reddish hairs. In late spring to early summer, it produces dense, conical flower spikes up to 3 feet tall, though the flowers themselves are not particularly ornamental. Ideal for large gardens, Gunnera creates a lush, tropical effect and is well-suited for water gardens, bog gardens, or the edges of ponds, making it a bold focal point in any landscape.
DESCRIPTION
Gunnera tinctoria, or Chilean Rhubarb, is a dramatic perennial known for its enormous, deeply lobed leaves that can grow up to 4-6 feet wide. Native to South America, this striking plant features stout, prickly stems and rough, bright green foliage with a glossy finish, while the undersides and stems are covered in spiky, reddish hairs. In late spring to early summer, it produces dense, conical flower spikes up to 3 feet tall, though the flowers themselves are not particularly ornamental. Ideal for large gardens, Gunnera creates a lush, tropical effect and is well-suited for water gardens, bog gardens, or the edges of ponds, making it a bold focal point in any landscape.
DESCRIPTION
Gunnera tinctoria, or Chilean Rhubarb, is a dramatic perennial known for its enormous, deeply lobed leaves that can grow up to 4-6 feet wide. Native to South America, this striking plant features stout, prickly stems and rough, bright green foliage with a glossy finish, while the undersides and stems are covered in spiky, reddish hairs. In late spring to early summer, it produces dense, conical flower spikes up to 3 feet tall, though the flowers themselves are not particularly ornamental. Ideal for large gardens, Gunnera creates a lush, tropical effect and is well-suited for water gardens, bog gardens, or the edges of ponds, making it a bold focal point in any landscape.
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Family: Gunneraceae
Height: 6-10 feet
Width: 8-10 feet
Foliage Color: Deep green
Flower Color: Greenish-red, non-ornamental
Bloom Time: Late spring to early summer
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Water Requirements: High, prefers consistently moist to wet soil
Maintenance: Moderate
Growing Zones: USDA zones 7-10
Wildlife Attractors: Birds and insectsThis plant can be seen in the iris rain garden at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
