Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Gunnera and the Koi Pond, 1 by Happenstance

Happenstance wrote:
This is only the second season for this Gunnera, so far not a problem being invasive, dies down in the winter, but comes back readily from the tubers.....loves water. As far as I can tell it is hardy to Zone 7. It is just an awesome plant! Some references state that it doesn't like hot weather, but it seems to thrive here in 10a and is in full sun most of the day.

caitlin - there is a thread over on the Garden Art Forum about a "Garden Mirror" I made using the Little & Lewis concrete recipe. My intent at some point is to make a Gunnera casting. (Once you find out the cost of their Gunnera castings, it would be cheaper to buy several new plants for the next couple of decades or cast one of your own. :-)

I also have Gunnera perpensa which is a much smaller species, softer shiny leaf, not prickly, about 18" high so far this year in its third season, also dies down in the winter and requires copious amounts of water.