care of Gunnera

Question

We moved into a new house in March 2014, so we’ve been here less than a year and beside our pond is a magnificent Gunnera. However, I’ve no idea what species it is. It grew large leaves in summer of about 2 ft across, which have now clearly died off and are brown and crispy dry. They are still, however, well rooted and firmly attached to the base. I’ve read articles saying the leaves could have been cut off before winter and used to protect the crown but now I’m nervous to cut them, especially where to cut them, top bottom or middle. Can you please advise whether I should cut them or leave them into spring? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Winter isn’t over yet, so to protect from possible freezes, go ahead and cut the leaves now and pile them over the plant. Don’t be nervous about cutting – they are just leaves and stems, same as any plant, even if they are a hundred times bigger. Cut the leaf stems near the point where they emerge from the rest of the plant. This article has more information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/gunnera/growing-gunnera-plants.htm