Large leaf Gunneras seem to be extra popular in the UK this year, and there are a lot of questions and discussions floating around forums and Facebook groups about them. Mainly the discussions are centered around how to tell the difference between Gunnera manicata and Gunnera tinctoria.
I won't go in that direction as personally I've found such topics tedious, however I will highlight instead two lesser known and relatively obscure large leafed Gunneras that are starting to get into the exotic plant circulation here:
Gunnera insignis - from Costa Rica and the photo below was taken earlier this year at Tregrehan Gardens in Cornwall
Gunnera killipiana - from Costa Rica and was collected at high altitude elevations by Bleddyn and Sue Wynn-Jones. Photo was taken at their nursery Crug Farm Plants and was also featured in previous editions of Chelsea Flower Show
Both stunning big leafed plants and much more ornamental than their well established but hardier Brazilian (Gunnera manicata) and Chilean (Gunnera tinctoria) cousins.
Mark :-)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
Stunning is the right word! Could it be that these two species also remain on the smaller side?
ReplyDeleteBTW, I still can't tell tinctoria from manicata!
They're much more ornamental I think, although doesn't seem to get as big as manicata or tinctoria.
DeleteBTW, Manicata and Tinctoria are still generally tricky to tell apart..
I'd love to have a Gunnera of any species. Those leaves are fabulous. But huge leaves aren't common in dry as a bone climates like mine.
ReplyDeleteThat's the only thing, they do need a high moisture requirement. Although temperature wise it would do well in your area :)
DeleteOh those are both smashing! Gone are the days were I could fit either one into my garden I'm afraid (and who knows when they'll be available here!).
ReplyDeleteThey don't get as big as their popular cousins, and might be worth looking/asking at the Aladdin's cave in Sauvie Island ;)
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