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Re: [PRIMROSES] Gunnera + Hi + msc. was: Companion plants

In a message dated 97-12-28 21:34:22 EST, Diana wrote:

<< Does anyone on the list grow this plant in z. 7? >>

USDA places me in zone 7, however, I'm in a frost pocket and -6 seems to be
more the norm than the exception (still warm for many of you, I know).  During
one of last year's arctic blasts, it was sub-zero here, while the tv news was
listing the low at 26.

I try to make certain the crown of Gunnera is well covered during the cold
spells, usually with the abundant supply of fur boughs blown out of the trees.
Four or five years ago I didn't get a chance to get it covered, and thought I
had lost it.  You can't imagine my surprise when two years later it came
poking its nose out of the ground!    I have a friend in Indiana who grew it
successfully for at least several years, he is in zone 5.  He also lugged
several bales of straw in for covering.

I find the more food and water I give the beast, the more beastly it becomes
in size.  During its happier years, it has a spread of 15-20 feet, and is 6-8
feet tall. Many garden visitors refer to it as "that prehistoric-looking
plant".  I do have some large ferns and hostas planted about 5 feet from the
Gunnera, but they do become quite hidden.  Perhaps it's just my plant.  I have
seen some along the southern Oregon coast that are much more upright than
mine.

You're right, Diana, the crowns do have a rather alien appearance, as do the
flowers.

Robyn
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