Overview
Gunnera arenaria is a plant with a herbaceous perennial, rhizomatous habit in the genus Gunnera, part of the Gunneraceae family, with large, lobed, green foliage. Gunnera arenaria grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include architectural specimens and waterside planting.
About
Gunnera arenaria is a herbaceous perennial cultivar within the Gunnera genus, known for its large, lobed green foliage. It thrives in moist to wet loam or sandy soils with acid to neutral pH, favouring full sun or partial shade in sheltered, south- or west-facing aspects. Hardy to UK zone H4, it is suitable for architectural planting or waterside locations. The plant flowers in spring and remains of interest through winter. Cultivation requires well-drained soil and watering during establishment, with propagation possible by seed or basal leaf cuttings.
About the genus
Gunnera is the sole genus of herbaceous flowering plants in the family Gunneraceae, which contains 63 species. Some species in this genus, namely those in the subgenus Panke, have extremely large leaves. Species in the genus are variously native to Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Papuasia, Hawaii, insular Southeast Asia, eastern Africa, and Madagascar.
Wikipedia contributors, "Gunnera", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gunnera
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gunnera
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist, Wet
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Gunnera arenaria size, habit and characteristics
- Habit
- Herbaceous perennial, Rhizomatous
- Foliage
- Large, Lobed, Green
- Suggested uses
- Architectural specimens, Waterside planting
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gunnera arenaria
- Propagation
- Seed, Basal leaf cuttings
- Pest resistance
- Susceptible to snails and slugs
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Gunnera arenaria?
Gunnera arenaria prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gunnera arenaria need?
Gunnera arenaria grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist to wet.
Is Gunnera arenaria hardy in the UK?
Gunnera arenaria has an RHS hardiness rating of H4, meaning it is hardy through an average UK winter, tolerating -10 to -5°C.
How do I propagate Gunnera arenaria?
Seed, Basal leaf cuttings.
More in the Gunnera genus
- Gunnera chilensisGiant Rhubarb
- Gunnera hamiltoniiHamilton’s gunnera
- Gunnera magellanicadevil's strawberry
- Gunnera manicatagiant rhubarb
- Gunnera prorepens var. aurea
