Gunnera manicata

 |50 Seeds|

These huge leaves act as funnels, wanting all the rain and funneling it right to the middle of the plant. They grow well next to streams and natural ponds, where their roots can get right into boggy soil, or else they need a lot of watering throughout the dry months. The plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling. Of course, such a large plant needs lots of nutrients, so feed it in the growing season. Best in cool Summer areas, it is rarely successful in hot or dry climates. Gunneras grow in specific places in the cloud forests, namely areas where there is a constant, unlimited supply of water.  A big bold perennial that will grow to 6-10 feet tall with large leaves that spread to 4-5 feet across in the right conditions and zone with plenty of water.  If you live in an area that has mild winters you can have leaves that will last more than one year.  In cooler climates leaves will die back to the roots in the winter. Leaves often becomes stressed in full sun locations. Soils must never be allowed to dry out. These dinosaur-sized leaves give rise to the additional common name of dinosaur food for this plant. Tiny, reddish-green flowers in thick, club-like spikes (3-6' conical panicles) rise up from the crown in early summer.Plants are intolerant of extreme heat or cold.  Remove damaged or dead leaves as they appear. In the northern parts of this plant's growing range, plants should be sited in protected areas sheltered from drying winds and given a substantial dry winter mulch.Zones 7-10. 50 Seeds per Package.