Gunnera are a popular foliage plant in the UK and are widely used for the texture of the large leaves. Some species of giant gunneras available for sale such as G. tinctoria and G. manicata having huge leaves that help make this a truly a spectacular architectural plant. Remember that the foliage of these plants is covered with small prickles, so handling requires some care.

Growing well in full sun to part shade the main requirements are a fertile rich soil and plently of moisture, these giant foliage plants grow well in the margins of a pond. Gunnera can be grown from seed or plants can be purchased as a bulb. Plant bulbs below the surface, seeds can be sown directly as well. These plants will self seed and if planted next to slow mowing water they can tend to 'take over'.

G. hamaltonii is a smaller growing species that works well as a ground cover as does G. magellanica. Propagation is easily carried out by division in early spring, also a great time to buy young plants online.