Gunnera

The genus Gunner includes perennial herbaceous plants of considerable size. The flowers are collected in large conical inflorescences. The types described below are not very stable. Gunner chilensis (Gunnera chilensis) - a species up to 2 m high with dissected toothed dark green leaves up to 1.5 m wide. Chestnut-green flowers are collected in inflorescences 45 cm long, blooming in the middle of summer. Gunner's sleeve (G. manicata) is a widely grown species, the stem grows to a height of up to 4 m, the leaves grow to a width of 2-3 m. The leaves are shallowly dissected, with a weak smell, characterized by a fleshy large petiole covered with green spines. Green flowers blooming in April are collected in inflorescences on long (more than 1 m) peduncles.

The genus Gunner includes perennial herbaceous plants of considerable size. The flowers are collected in large conical inflorescences. The types described below are not very stable.

Gunner chilensis (Gunnera chilensis) - a species up to 2 m high with dissected toothed dark green leaves up to 1.5 m wide. Chestnut-green flowers are collected in inflorescences 45 cm long, blooming in the middle of summer.

Gunner's sleeve (G. manicata) is a widely grown species, the stem grows to a height of up to 4 m, the leaves grow to a width of 2-3 m. The leaves are shallowly dissected, with a weak smell, characterized by a fleshy large petiole covered with green spines. Green flowers blooming in April are collected in inflorescences on long (more than 1 m) peduncles.

Cultivation

Gunner is planted in open ground, mainly near lakes and reservoirs with running water. The choice of location is important because they require a lot of moisture, as well as shelter from the wind, which can damage the leaves. It is used in solitary and group plantings. Planted in the ground from April onwards, in a fairly loose fertile land.

Location

The ideal location for gunner is open, sunny, and tolerates partial shade well.

Temperature

Species of this plant are resistant to both high and low temperatures, but in the middle zone it is recommended to cover the base of plants with suitable material, humus or plastic film. Late frosts are also dangerous, which can destroy new shoots, but this is not fatal for the plant.

Watering

Gunner is moisture-loving, and if the ground is not wet enough, then the plants are watered often and abundantly.

Care

Remove withered inflorescences and damaged flowers.

Reproduction

In spring (in March), seeds are sown in containers, under glass, in seed soil; the resulting seedlings are dived into separate pots. Use also axillary buds at the base of the plant, preferably with a piece of stem and roots. Buds are separated in the spring before the beginning of growth, rooted in separate containers before planting in the air. Seedlings with a lump are planted in a permanent place on the site for the next year in April-May. For the winter, the pots are buried in a protected corner of the garden, where the soil is mulched, or they are kept in a closed, unheated room.

Diseases

With plants of the genus Gunner, there are usually no problems. Sometimes fungi settle on the leaves, causing yellowing of the leaves and the formation of spots. Apply treatment with appropriate fungicides. Some caterpillars nibble on leaves and young shoots. They are collected manually or treated with appropriate insecticides. Lack of water weakens the plant and slows down its growth. Therefore, it is important to follow the rules of irrigation.

Acquisition

Young potted plants intended for planting in the ground can be purchased in specialized flower nurseries. Choose compact and highly bushy seedlings (due to basal shoots). Amateurs should not be engaged in sowing seeds, because seedlings require special and careful care before planting in the ground.