Frost tolerant perennial 10 seed Gunnera tinctoria

Gunnera tinctoria

10 seed

Chilean Rhubarb

Gunnera tinctoria is a gigantic primeval-looking plant that thrives at the edge of a streambed or pond. Native to the cloud forests of Chile, it looks very tropical, but needs a coolish, sheltered spot, and a big spot at that.

Gunnera grows to 2m tall and the individual leaves are broad as a kitchen table. Definitely exotic, it looks like a gigantic begonia, and is at home in a ferny environment. Where winters are mild, the leaves will last more than a year. In colder climates, they die back in winter, then grow back enthusiastically in spring and soon put out a tall cone covered with tiny male and female flowers.

Gunnera seed is not for beginners. In the right climate, zones 7-9, the plant will thrive without care, but germination is a challenge.