Photo of Gunnera perpensa by Patricia Cunningham

Photo by Patricia Cunningham

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Buy Gunnera perpensa

Also Known As

  • River Pumpkin

Plant type

perennial, aquatic

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 3'-6'

planting zones

  • 8a-10b

1 gallon bagged root ball | $23

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4"x 5" | $19

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Gunnera perpensa plant details

Gunnera perpensa is a broadleaf deciduous perennial aquatic with green foliage. In summer white flowers emerge. Grows well with mostly sun - mostly shade and standing water - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average and rich soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Gunnera perpensa

Plant type: perennial aquatic
Plant family: gunneraceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 3 FT - 6 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in summer
Uses: big leaves, bog garden, edible, rare, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Gunnera perpensa

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: mostly sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: standing water - regular
Soil needs: average and rich

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

We got our plant from Heronswood back in the 90's. Our plant is now a thicket 6' across. The foliage is oval and has curvy margins. We mulch with leaves in winter and grow with plants of Fuchsia magellanica.
Rare! Robust perennial, relatively unknown species from high elevation So Africa… waxy, rounded, undulating leaves 6-10” sit atop 2’-3’ petioles. Clumping 2’ tall and 4’ across… Numerous, small whitish flowers, wispy, cone shaped, well above the foliage in summer. Cool, moist to wet soils in part shade. Great bog or pond plant! For the plant geek…who thinks they have everything…a charmer! You CAN have your plant and eat it too! The leaves are edible!
Rare & undulatious (or undulicious!), this cool South African Gunnera grows only to 2’ tall with wonderful, edible, light green, very wavy leaves to 6” across. The green flower spikes appear in August. It’s not too fussy about soil, but cool & moist conditions are best. Excellent bog or water garden subject.

Gardening facts about Gunnera perpensa plant

How to Grow Gunnera perpensa

  • Sun Exposure

    • mostly sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • standing water - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • rich

Features

  • Flower Color

    • white
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous
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