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Chilean rhubarb, a horticultural beast!

comments (4) May 14th, 2010 in blogs

Michelle Gervais, Associate Editor

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Photo: Michelle Gervais

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Chilean rhubarb (Gunnera tinctoria) is a gargantuan perennial that is hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. It prefers moist, rich soil in full sun or partial shade. This plant certainly says "WOW!" Its bold foliage, with leaves up to 6 feet across, has the texture of that of (we can only imagine) dinosaur skin. In fact, it's easy to picture dinosaurs strolling amongst these plants as they head to a pond for a drink of water. Gardeners in warmer climates can grow this monster as a perennial, while northern gardeners are restricted to growing it in a pot to be over wintered indoors or building elaborate systems to protect the crowns from deep freezes in winter. As wonderful as it it, the plant has become a troublesome invasive in parts of Ireland and New Zealand. Eradicating it is not easy, due to its size and the ferocious spines on its stems and leaf undersides. It spreads by both seeds and rhizomes.

For more bold-leaved plants, click here!
To learn about Chilean rhubarb's big brother, giant rhubarb (Gunnera manicata), click here!

Welcome to the Fine Gardening Garden Photo of the Day blog! Every weekday we post a new photo of a great garden, a spectacular plant, a stunning plant combination, or any number of other subjects. Think of it as your morning jolt of green.

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A criss-cross combo

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READER PHOTO: Boxwood Buddha

Comments (4)

Oksana_in_SC writes: I think planting an invasive plant in the middle of the water is a great solution! It is there for the looks but not going to take over! I wonder if it can be used for culinary purposes like other rhubarbs... Posted: 7:26 am on May 18th

StreetGlide writes: Great choice of pictures. Wonder what one could do with this in zone 4...as an annual. Posted: 1:24 pm on May 14th

fldirt writes: If it is invasive why would you plant it. Here in Florida we are having a hard time with invasive plants so please do not plant plants that are invasive. Posted: 1:15 pm on May 14th

catsdogs writes: Love that PLant by the Water, its so amazing to look at, and can feel the Serenty..... Posted: 10:23 am on May 14th

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Welcome to the Fine Gardening GARDEN PHOTO OF THE DAY blog!

Every weekday we post a new photo of a great garden, a spectacular plant, a stunning plant combination, or any number of other subjects. Think of it as your morning jolt of green.

Sign up to get new posts delivered to your inbox each morning so you'll always remember to take a look, or subscribe to our RSS feed. We look forward to sharing our garden travels with you.

If you think you have a photo that we should share on the Garden Photo of the day, email us. Send hi-res images to mgervais@taunton.com with GPOD in the subject line. We'll only respond if we plan to use your photo.