Gunnera tinctoria
Chilean rhubarb
This plant is listed as an invasive non-native species in the UK – see Cultivation section for details A large, herbaceous perennial spreading to form dense clumps. The rounded leaves, 1-2m wide, are deeply lobed and borne on stout, prickly stalks. Dense, cylindrical flower spikes, about 50cm tall and 10cm across, appear in summer and are composed of tiny red-brown flowers. These are followed by small green fruits suffused with red
Size
Ultimate height
Time to ultimate height
Ultimate spread
Growing conditions
Moisture
pH
Colour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Brown Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Green Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
Aspect
Exposure
Botanical details
- Family
- Gunneraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Genus
Gunnera may be evergreen or herbaceous rhizomatous perennials, and range from small creeping plants to very large with huge leaves. The flowers are small, borne in narrow panicles or spikes and may be followed by small berry-like fruits
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
This plant is listed on Schedule 9 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act (1981), the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat list of Species of Special Concern and the EU list of Invasive Alien Species of Union Concern (applies in NI). It should not be planted or caused to grow in the wild in the UK. It is also banned from sale, and gardeners who already have it should take steps to control it. See RHS advice on Gunnera and invasive non-native species for further information
Propagation
See cultivation notes
Pests
See cultivation notes
Diseases
See cultivation notes
Get involved
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