Gunnera manicata

Gunnera Manicata, also known as ‘Giant Rhubarb’, is one of the biggest and most spectacular, architectural, herbaceous plants, characterised by its large, lobed leaves that can reach up to 3 metres in across , and sit ontop of prickly stalks that extend to 10 feet tall and form giant clumps.  Gunnera manicata produces large, bottle-brush spikes of tiny reddish-green florets in the spring. Its impressive size makes it is a true statement plant that will attract attention and create a natural focal point in a large garden, it looks best planted near water in an informal semi natural setting. Gunnera are thought to be around 150 million years old and native to South America it was first introduced into Europe in the 1860′s. Gunnera Manicata should not be confused with Gunnera tinctoria which is invasive.