You could get around the gunnera problem by going in and cutting off the flowers before any seeds are formed. It is, after all grown primarily for its leaves. It can also spread by rhizomes but, in my experience, it has always need a huge blanket of compost about 3' high to get it thru a Belgian winter so no spreading habits. Might be a problem in Devon tho.
I tried one last year (slightly further up the stream) in a wet bankside terrace - and it "died" within a week. As it happens I had a paddle down the stream yesterday and I took a look at what's left of the Matteuccia, no signs of life unfortunately. But I'm still keeping my fingers crossed. And I shall get more and plant them in drier, but still damp, areas of the garden. I think I've a lot to learn about stream gardening!
@DampGardenMan, I've got them where the pond overflows when we get a lot of rain (often) and they've thrived and multiplied. Sometimes they're actually standing in water for days.
If it's big leaves you want you could try Peltiphylum peltatum. Not as big as Gunnera but still makes quite a statement. Good for stabilising stream banks too and mine quite happily grows right into the stream. Has pretty round, pink flowers at this time of year and then the leaves appear. Just have to chop off lumps with a spade when it gets too enthusiastic!
@Buttercupdays- we already have that, although I know it as Darmera peltatum. We planted about five plants in a very boggy bit by the stream last August and are anxiously awaiting some signs of life! Thanks anyway
@DampGardenMan, I've got them where the pond overflows when we get a lot of rain (often) and they've thrived and multiplied. Sometimes they're actually standing in water for days.
Online info suggests they need it "moist but well drained", but can stand very wet conditions provided the crown is always above water. Maybe I planted mine a little too deeply.
Osmunda regalis is recommended for wet soils - and we have one! And its croziers are starting to appear, so hopefully that's a keeper. I shall also look out for the Marsh Fern, Thelypteris palustris.
Online info suggests they need it "moist but well drained", but can stand very wet conditions provided the crown is always above water. Maybe I planted mine a little too deeply.
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I like persicarias in their many forms. The leaves are much prettier than docks, even on the plain bistorta form and that has masses of fluffy pink flowers for ages. The forms with makings are really good and have smaller, different textured leaves especially Painter's Palette - https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/47092/i-Persicaria-virginiana-i-(Variegated-Group)-Painter-s-Palette-(v)/Details
and the Red Dragon form is just gorgeous - https://www.rightplants4me.co.uk/content/plant?PlantID=1389&LatinName=Persicaria microcephala 'Red Dragon'
Re Persicaria - still not convinced, but we'll keep an eye on them at Rosemoor.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/10920/Matteuccia-struthiopteris/Details
Have fun with your new hostas
Not as big as Gunnera but still makes quite a statement.
Good for stabilising stream banks too and mine quite happily grows right into the stream.
Has pretty round, pink flowers at this time of year and then the leaves appear.
Just have to chop off lumps with a spade when it gets too enthusiastic!
Osmunda regalis is recommended for wet soils - and we have one! And its croziers are starting to appear, so hopefully that's a keeper. I shall also look out for the Marsh Fern, Thelypteris palustris.