giant rhubarb

Also known as: Chilean rhubarb; prickly rhubarb

A very robust herbaceous perennial, forming a spreading clump of lobed, rounded, rough-textured leaves with spiny stems 1-2m in width. Tiny red-brown flowers are borne in erect panicles to 1m in height

Scientific classification

Species: giant rhubarb (Gunnera manicata)
Genus: Gunnera
Family: Gunneraceae

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Toxicity: Bogs · Herbaceous Perennial
Plant type: 1.5-2.5 metres
Height: 2.5-4 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Clump forming
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

giant rhubarb pictures

Distribution of giant rhubarb

Distribution map

Brazil

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of giant rhubarb

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giant rhubarb care guide

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, avoid prolonged drought or waterlogging

Fertilizing

Balanced feed in spring and light repeat in growth season

Pruning

Cut back after flowering

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in gentle heat as soon as ripe, seed quickly loses viability. Propagate by cuttings of leafy, basal buds in spring

Growing

Grow in permanently moist, humus-rich soil in full sun or partial shade. Shelter from cold drying winds. Protect crowns by mulching during the winter months. This plant is listed on Schedule 3 of the EU (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 in the Republic of Ireland as an invasive non-native species. While this does not prevent it from being sold or from being grown in gardens in the Republic of Ireland, the RHS encourages those that do grow it to take great care with managing it and with disposing of unwanted material. The RHS also encourages gardeners in the Republic of Ireland to find alternative plants to grow to those listed on Schedule 3

More growing and care information →