This is a public-interest archive. Personal data is pseudonymized and retained under GDPR Article 89.

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

Robydub wrote:
>
> 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

Holy Moley!  If that plant is getting 15 to 20 feet across, I have to
ask you if you've ever considered division.  It makes a root just at
soil level and spreads out that way.  You can use a shovel (or saw, from
the size of yours), and hack thru it.  Then you can share with your
friends who appreciate the unusual.
Or you could make a gunnera hedge.

The Greenhouse
81 S. Bagley Creek Road & Hwy 101
Port Angeles, WA  98362
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index