Gunnera magellanica
| Gunnera magellanica | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 7 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Cross Pollinated | |
| Height: | 0.1' |
| Width: | 3' |
| Blooms: | Mid Summer-Late Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Gunnera magellanica
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a sandy mix in a cold frame[1]. The seed can also be sown in the spring[2]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Division as new growth commences in the spring[1]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Cultivation: Requires a damp humus rich soil in a sunny position or semi-shade[3][1]. Prefers a cool moist position[4].
Plants are hardy to at least -10°c[5].
The plant has a creeping root and spreads to form extensive patches[5].
The top part of the inflorescence is male, the bottom is female and the middle is hermaphrodite according to one report whilst another says that the flowers are unisexual without saying if the two sexes are on the same plant[1]. Male and female flowers are on separate plants[2].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[6].
Range: S. America - S.W. Argentina, S. Chile and the Falkland Islands.
Habitat: Damp grassy places[5]. Moist sheltered places from sea-level to 1000 metres[7].
Edibility: One report says that the fruit might be edible[8]. The fruit is about 5mm in diameter[1].
Usage: A carpeting plant that roots as it spreads, it is suitable for ground cover when spaced about 45cm apart each way[4].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Flower Type: Dioecious
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Brickell, Christopher. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers. Dorling Kindersley Publishers, 1990.
- ↑ Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Thomas, Graham. Plants for Ground Cover. Everyman, 1990.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Perennials - The Definitve Reference. Pan Books, 1991.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ Moore, David. Flora of Tierra del Fuego. Anthony Nelson, 1983.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.