2010 Green Blogging In Ireland – Gunnera Manicata – the Jurassic Park Plant For Gardens

 

While walking through the Dublin Zoo in Dublin, Ireland today, I spotted this incredibly huge herbaceous plant in a shady corner garden. Gunnera Manicata, or Giant Rhubarb, loves the wet conditions in Dublin, and as you can see by the giant leaf and unusual flower formation, resembles something from Jurassic Park.

Be very careful when growing Gunnera Manicata as it is considered quite invasive, particularly on the west coast of Ireland or heavily wet and boggy regions. If you keep it within limits so that it cannot become invasive, it does well in American zones 7 to 10. An interesting addition to any garden.

* Thanks to my sponsor for this incredible speaking, blogging, and eco-green adventure to Ireland – Glenisk Organic Dairy. They have been wonderful to partner with and have some astoundingly healthy products, particularly for children and babies. My favorite: their creamy goats milk yogurt! Yum!