Giant Rhubarb
Gunnera manicata
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
120 inches
Width
180 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
High
Humidity
High
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Brazil
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Gunnera manicata, commonly known as giant rhubarb, is a large, herbaceous perennial with massive, deeply lobed leaves that create a dramatic, tropical appearance. It produces tall flower spikes with small, clustered flowers. This species is notable for its enormous foliage, which can reach several meters in height, making it a striking focal point in water gardens or shaded borders.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Select a moist, fertile spot with partial shade for planting
- Tuck rhizomes 2 inches deep and space 3 feet apart
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist
- Mist foliage during dry periods to prevent leaf scorch
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in early spring
Pro Tip
Plant in rich, moist soil with some shade for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist
- Mulch to conserve moisture and prevent weeds
- Provide partial shade in hotter climates
- Fertilize in early spring for vigorous growth
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Don’t expose to full, direct sun in hot climates ❌
- Refrain from planting in poorly drained soil ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Giant Rhubarb questions
What zones can Giant Rhubarb grow in?
Giant Rhubarb is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Giant Rhubarb deer resistant?
Yes — Giant Rhubarb is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Giant Rhubarb bloom?
Giant Rhubarb typically blooms in early summer through mid-summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Giant Rhubarb need full sun?
Giant Rhubarb does best in part shade.
Keep exploring
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Grow Giant Rhubarb with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
