Jim's Favorite Flower Garden Seeds

Gunnera Seed ( Perennial )

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	RHM985 Gunnera Peltata This immense Gunnera is endemic to Robinson Crusoe Island, in the Archipelago of Juan Fernandez off the coast of Chile and forms large stands in moist, sheltered areas. Gunnera peltata forms a stem up to 2 m tall. The gigantic leaves can reach 2 m in diameter and emerge from a nest of ruby-red fibers at the apex of the stem. Although virtually unknown in cultivation, it has extraordinary ornamental potential and will thrive in any consistently cool climate. Caring for gunnera plants: Soil: Gunnera species grow in deep, permanently moist, humus-rich soil in sun or partial shade. Large varieties need shelter from cold, drying winds and winter protection; all varieties are unsuitable for high heat and humid climates. Maintenance: Gunnera manicata demands a virtually unlimited water supply in their growing season that's why it's ideally planted along the edge of a stream or a pond). Plant it right after the last frost in spring and add as much compost, well-rotted manure and slow-release fertilizer as possible to the soil. Even after the plant has settled in, massive amounts of compost, manure and fertilizer are needed. Protection: Unprotected crowns can not survive temperatures below 18 degrees. The crowns of smaller varieties should be protected with dry mulch. The leaves of larger varieties should be cut off after the first hard frost. Inverted, the leaves provide excellent coverage for the resting crowns. Another method to help keep out moisture is to remove leaves after the frost, cover the crown with 20 inches of straw, cover with a burlap tarp, or large plastic container, such as a tub, and than add another 20 inches of straw. Seasoned wood chips or sawdust will work even better. After all danger of a hard freeze is gone, in late March or early April, protection can be removed. Then be sure to mulch the Gunnera plant. Uses: Gunnera plants may be planted in large containers for their first few years, depending upon their need for deeply cultivated, moist, fertile soil, in a sheltered location. Gunneras are great for waterside planting and other moist places. The crowns of these plants should be protected in the winter by mulching with dead leaves. The larger Gunnera make gorgeous architectural plants for the edge of a pond or stream, a waterfalls setting, or a bog garden, while smaller species make interesting additions to a rock garden. 5 seeds. Price per pack: $3.95
	RHC227 Giant Gunnera ( Gunnera Manicata ) Huge 60" leaves, likes sun, moisture, bold foliage accent for pot or landscape, small bronze flowers. 6-12 feet tall, hardy to zone 6. 100 Seed Package $12.95
	3366 Landscape Gunnera ( Gunnera tinctoria ) Huge green leaves turning reddish, reddish stems, large bronze flowers, specimen plant. 5 feet tall, hardy to zone 6. 10 Seed Package $2.95
	TRM059 Poor Man's Parasol Gunnera insignis Shrubby plant known for its huge leaves, up to 4-6 feet wide. Grown as an ornamental for its huge leaves, which along with being large in size, are ornamental-having pretty red veins. This medium or small sized shrub is native to wet subtropical areas and mountainous tropical zones, but is hardy below freezing, although probably only to 25-30F. 5 seeds $4.95

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