Gunnera ban
Lots of people love the huge leaves of Gunnera, often known as Giant Rhubarb. But the variety most often grown is the source of current controversy and a ban on cultivating it.
The variety most often sold until recently was Gunnera manicata, but it is now revealed that there is unlikely to be any of this true variety growing in the UK. Instead it is likely to be either Gunnera x cryptica, or another variety Gunnera tinctoria, both of which are classified as invasive in the UK.
The RHS advises that strict rules apply in the UK for Gunnera tinctoria and G. ×cryptica – it is an offence to plant or cause these to grow in the wild. They have been banned from sale and gardeners already growing these plants should undertake measures to prevent spread beyond their garden and ensure correct disposal of plants. Existing plants in gardens do not have to be removed, but any excess material should be disposed of either by burning on site or taking to a waste processing centre.
This post was written by Christine Whatley on February 1, 2024 11:26 am
