Growing Gunnera: A Guide to Prehistoric Plants for Your Garden
Introduction
If you’re looking for a plant that will make a bold statement in your yard, consider Gunnera. These prehistoric-looking plants have massive, deeply-lobed leaves that can grow up to 4 feet across. They’re perfect for filling in large, empty spaces in your garden, especially in boggy areas where other plants might struggle.
Choosing the Right Spot
Gunnera thrives in moist, boggy conditions. If you have a piece of ground that’s constantly saturated from deck run-off or is located at the bottom of a hill, it’s the ideal place to grow Gunnera. These plants also need full sunlight for at least most of the day.
Planting and Care
When planting Gunnera, dig in lots of compost and other organic material to improve the soil. Give the plant a heavy feeding of fertilizer when you first plant it to give it a good start. Gunnera is a heavy feeder, so it will need additional fertilizer twice more during the growing season.
Water your Gunnera plants regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. The leaves love moisture as much as the roots. The best way to water them is to set a sprinkler next to the plant and let it run for an hour or so.
Propagating Gunnera
Gunnera can be propagated by dividing the crown. This is best done in April or May, before the main growth has begun. Cut out a portion of the crown, much like you’d remove a wedge of pie. Plant the new juvenile plant at least 10 feet away from the mother plant to give both plants room to grow.
Winterizing Gunnera
Gunnera is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 5-9. However, it can be damaged by winter frost. To protect your plants, cut the leaves down around November and pile them on top of the center crown. This will insulate the more tender parts of the plant from the cold. Remove the dead leaves early in the spring to allow new growth to spring up.
Troubleshooting
One of the most common problems with Gunnera is root rot. This can be caused by overwatering or planting in soil that is too heavy and doesn’t drain well. If you notice your Gunnera plants are wilting or the leaves are turning yellow, check the roots for signs of rot. If the roots are brown and mushy, you may need to repot the plant in fresh soil.
Another common problem is leaf spot. This is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots to appear on the leaves. To prevent leaf spot, water your Gunnera plants at the base of the plant, avoiding getting the leaves wet. You can also spray your plants with a fungicide to help prevent the disease.
Conclusion
Gunnera plants are a unique and beautiful addition to any garden. With their massive leaves and prehistoric appearance, they’re sure to make a statement. By following the tips in this guide, you can successfully grow and care for Gunnera in your own garden.
Additional Long-Tail Keywords:
- How to grow Gunnera in containers
- Growing Gunnera in different climates
- Companion plants for Gunnera
- Using Gunnera in landscape design
- The history of Gunnera plants