18 Comments
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That is Gunnera manicata, also known as giant rhubarb, and "dinosaur food." It's an ancient plant, and that actually is a relatively small one. -
Dag! I wish that would grow here. Thanks for letting us know what kind of plant. I love it. -
wow! that is huge! and relatively small? never seen that before! but like Tammy L, I am on the East Coast....does it die back every year, being in the rhubarb family? Ornamental only? Very interesting plant! Thanks for sharing Ms. Bernice! -
Yes, it dies back every year. Prefers a moist/wet site.
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So Doug, are you saying it has to be replanted every year?And it grows this big and bigger in one season? What are those cone looking things? How much bigger would it grow? Thanks Doug...I am awed with Tammy and Angela! -
Bernice, be careful! This thing looks dangerous! If it moves, RUN!!!! -
Now that's really impressive - especially considering this is apparently the small verson!! Dinosaur food? Yea, I can see that. The dino's went extinct but it's food source stuck around - hmmmm!! -
Things didn't work out so well for the dinosaurs so probably don't want to eat it, Bernice! Also, you might want to get your hand out of there before it eats you!!! -
LOL Y'all! That thing IS huge, keep an eye on the pine cone things Bernice....If they are flowers I'd sure like some pictures of that when they open.....And looks sticker-y....wonder if it would discourage the multitude of squirrels that are running on the fence line every morning...LOL -
I would love some seeds if you get any. LOL
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I posted a some pics on here of my Gunnera this year to show how much growth one season can do....my plant towers above me....if you want to see the progress just click on my image and go to my posts ;) -
Shelley that was incredible! As I posted on your post, with this plant you only need one plant in the garden. Do you start with seeds? Would it grow ok here in Yakima?
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@Bernice: It's a perennial; it does not have to be planted every year. The cone-like things you see are the blooms. If has a fairly limited range (zones 7-8) and really wants to be in a moist site. It's an impractical plant for most home gardens because of the size ( you need at least 10- to 12-feet square), but it sure attracts attentions.
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I remember seeing one at Butchart Gardens in Victoria, BC. Don't think we have these in the South. (I can show you some great kudzu "sculptures" though). -
so those blooms, do they "bloom" or is this it? no flower?
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This picture was taken back in spring....that's the toe of my gum boot by the gigantic flower, lol. The pink spikes are made up of thousands of little flowers. Your best trying to grow this from root stock....needs a good boggy area :) And yes...I think you could grow it there.
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Oh My Gosh those are Gorgeous!
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Holy Cow - you boot next to the bloom sure puts it's size in perspective!! That's enormous!!
