Chilean rhubarb, prickly rhubarb
Although there are many plants sold under this name, it is highly likely that they are the hybrid Gunnera × cryptica, which is listed as an invasive non-native plant in the UK – see Cultivation section for details A robust herbaceous perennial, forming a spreading clump of lobed, rounded, rough-textured leaves 1-2m wide on spiny stalks. Tiny red-brown flowers are borne on upright cylindrical spikes to 1m in height.
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Plants sold as Gunnera manicata are highly likely to be Gunnera × cryptica, which is a hybrid of G. tinctoria. Strict rules apply in the UK for Gunnera tinctoria and G. × cryptica – it is an offence to plant or cause these to grow in the wild. They are banned from sale and gardeners already growing these plants should undertake measures to prevent spread beyond their garden and ensure correct disposal of plants. See RHS advice on Gunnera and invasive non-native species for further information
See cultivation notes
See cultivation notes
See cultivation notes