What in the world is this plant? It is humongous! Oregon Coast, Lincoln city
by
Bernice H
+18
Took a little stroll through a garden and here is this huge plant! You can see my hand against the leaf!
20 answers
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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.
Douglas Hunt
on Sep 04, 2012
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Dag! I wish that would grow here. Thanks for letting us know what kind of plant. I love it.
Tammy
on Sep 04, 2012
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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!
Angela A
on Sep 04, 2012
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Yes, it dies back every year. Prefers a moist/wet site.
Douglas Hunt
on Sep 04, 2012
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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 H
on Sep 04, 2012
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Bernice, be careful! This thing looks dangerous! If it moves, RUN!!!!
Jeanette S
on Sep 04, 2012
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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!!
Susan S
on Sep 04, 2012
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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!!!
Donna R
on Sep 04, 2012
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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
Sharron W
on Sep 04, 2012
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I would love some seeds if you get any. LOL
Tammy
on Sep 04, 2012
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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 ;)
Sow and Dipity
on Sep 04, 2012
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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?
Bernice H
on Sep 05, 2012
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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.
Douglas Hunt
on Sep 05, 2012
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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).
Ellen H
on Sep 05, 2012
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so those blooms, do they "bloom" or is this it? no flower?
Bernice H
on Sep 06, 2012
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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.
Sow and Dipity
on Sep 06, 2012
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Oh My Gosh those are Gorgeous!
Sharron W
on Sep 06, 2012
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Holy Cow - you boot next to the bloom sure puts it's size in perspective!! That's enormous!!
Susan S
on Sep 06, 2012
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These plant's leaves can get to the size of a Volkswagen bug, my brother had one and no idea what to do with it. I had him dig a channel around the whole plant and fill with water. In the winter time cover all the pods (blooms) with straw and a bucket to prevent frost. One of my favorite plants, seldom seen here in Lincoln city Oregon
Ji.flooring2009
on Dec 13, 2015
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Connie Hanson's garden maybe?
Ji.flooring2009
on Dec 14, 2015
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