Re: Gardening thoughts from Vermont
- Subject: Re: [SG] Gardening thoughts from Vermont
- From: M* D* <a*@CHEBUCTO.NS.CA>
- Date: Thu, 15 Jul 2004 13:29:05 -0300
On Wed, 14 Jul 2004, George Africa wrote:
> What is the furthest north they can be left to winter
> over themselves?
Hi George-
We are Gunnera fans as well- after several visits to the large Gunneras
at a botanical garden in VAncouver, we brought one home to Nova Scotia (we
are approximately 45 degrees North). For the first few years we did as
has been suggested, moved them in and out in pots- but eventually, the
pots got too big and we got too old. For the last two winters we have
left them outside. Here's what we do. In October, we cut the big leaves
off and wrap them over the crowns. Then we pile leaves over the plants and
finally fill large plastic bags with leaves, and cover the Gunneras with
these "leaf bolsters". We are in Zone 6 but on the coast. LAst winter, we
had temperatures of minus 20 Celsius. There was little snow cover until
February- and then we had a monster 1 meter snowfall in one day!
Plants were slow to start in the spring, but now are growing well.
Gunnera are flood plain plants so moisture and mineral nutrients are
important.
Good Luck.
Marlene Davis
