Overview
Gunnera chilensis is a garden plant in the genus Gunnera, part of the Gunneraceae family. It is native to southern Chile and Argentina.
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
In the garden
Gunnera chilensis is a perennial member of the Gunnera genus native to southern Chile and Argentina. It is characterised by very large, deeply divided leaves and erect panicles of flowers; in the UK its flowering period is June to August. Although not closely related to culinary rhubarb, it has a similar overall appearance and has been introduced to gardens beyond its native range. When siting Gunnera chilensis, allow plenty of room for its clump to develop and for the tall inflorescences. Plants are typically grown as a bold architectural element where their scale can be accommodated; when grown in constrained beds they can overwhelm neighbouring perennials and shrubs. The species has been recorded spreading from cultivated plantings in some parts of the world, so gardeners should monitor seed set and manage discarded material to limit escape from the garden. In the UK context, Gunnera chilensis is best used where its size is an asset rather than a liability: large borders, waterside margins and areas set aside for major structural plants. Given its capacity to naturalise beyond planted sites, choose a location that suits long-term containment rather than frequent relocation.
Plant details
Gunnera chilensis size, habit and characteristics
- Native to
- southern Chile, Argentina
From the Fenn Plants journal
- On YellowA new RHS colour survey suggests yellow is back in fashion. But from Dixter’s giant fennel to Sissinghurst’s Cottage Garden, it never went anywhere.
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
