Overview
Gunnera manicata is a perennial in the genus Gunnera, part of the Gunneraceae family. Gunnera manicata grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H4. Suggested uses include ornamental, water garden and large borders. It is native to Brazil.
About
Gunnera manicata is a perennial in the family Gunneraceae commonly called giant rhubarb. It originates from Brazil and is grown principally as an ornamental for water gardens and large borders. It favours full sun to partial shade on moist, rich, well-drained soil and benefits from a sheltered position. In the UK it is classed H4 (average) for hardiness and flowers from June to August.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Gunnera manicata
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 manicata is a substantial perennial from Brazil, valued where a strong architectural presence is required in a garden. Often used around ponds, in water gardens and at the back of large borders, it is treated as an ornamental specimen rather than a mixed bedding plant. Plant it in full sun or partial shade where soil remains reliably moist; a rich, well-drained loam suits it best. Choose a sheltered position away from cold drying winds to reduce winter damage. The UK hardiness rating H4 corresponds to average hardiness, so siting and soil moisture are important priorities when planting out. Allow space for a single plant to form a clump in a prominent place near a path or water feature where its scale can be appreciated. Expect flowering from June to August, and plan neighbouring planting so the flowers and overall habit are visible rather than hidden. For long-term health, keep the root zone reliably moist and avoid exposed, windy banks in winter.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Gunnera
- Sunlight
- full sun, partial shade
- Soil type
- moist, rich, well-drained
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H4
Plant details
Gunnera manicata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- ornamental, water garden, large borders
- Native to
- Brazil
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Gunnera manicata
- Cultivation
- Requires moist, fertile soil and protection from strong winds; benefits from mulching
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring before new growth
- Propagation
- division, seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Gunnera manicata?
Requires moist, fertile soil and protection from strong winds; benefits from mulching.
Where is the best place to plant Gunnera manicata?
Gunnera manicata prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Gunnera manicata need?
Gunnera manicata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, rich and well-drained. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Gunnera manicata?
Remove dead or damaged leaves in spring before new growth.
Is Gunnera manicata hardy in the UK?
Gunnera manicata 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 manicata?
Division, seed.
More in the Gunnera genus
- Gunnera chilensisGiant Rhubarb
- Gunnera hamiltoniiHamilton’s gunnera
- Gunnera magellanicadevil's strawberry
- Gunnera prorepens var. aurea
- Gunnera arenaria