Gunnera Help
kevindylan
Posts: 10
I have had a Gunnera in an aquatic pot in my pond for 2 years now and last year it got a bit large for the pot so I took it out and marginally cut back the plants root because they make their way into the alcove where the fish sleep but unfortunately this year after repeating the same process the plant is dying. I have taken it out of the pond and split it because one of the plants in the pot seems to be rotting from the top. I placed my hand on the top and it split half way down and came away leaving a rotting look to the top of the plant which can be seen in the third photo.
I am unable to feed the plant because it is in my pond but I have had a Gunnera in a previous house which I had for many years and it never died off except in winter. The weather has been quite erratic here in London, but it isn't winter temperatures so I don't think the plant has gone into sleep mode.
I would appreciate any advice, if you have any.
Posts
Has it been completely submerged? The crown shouldn't be underwater or it will rot.
I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
As I understand it they like bog, not water so I would create a boggy bit to the side of the pond and plant again in there. It worked for me for years until a surprise -8C frost in October wiped it out. I now have a new one, growing in a pot for the last 3 summers till it gets big enough to cope. Just as well as we have moved to a new garden and it has to wait for some pond edge clearance to be done before I ca plant it. I keep it moist, but not drowning.