Gunnera magellanica
devil's strawberry
A mat-forming perennial with cupped, kidney-shaped, dark green leaves about 7cm across on 10cm stalks. In summer, short flower spikes appear bearing tight clusters of small, greenish flowers followed by orange-red berries
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Gunneraceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Matforming
- 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
- Plant range
- South America
How to grow
Cultivation
Needs humus-rich, permanently moist soil in partial shade. Grow in a sheltered spot in mild areas, or in containers that can be taken in over winter
Propagation
Propagate by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Rock garden
- Ground cover
Pruning
No pruning needed
Pests
Prone to slug and snail damage
Diseases
Generally disease free
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