If your plant is G. tinctoria (aka G. chilensis, G. scabra), then here's what the RHS have to say about it -
"This plant is subject to strict controls as an invasive non-native species
under the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species. As a result the RHS
strongly recommends gardeners not to grow it, and consequently do not
provide advice on how to cultivate it. If it is already present in your
garden there is no requirement for you to eradicate it, but you do need
to take utmost care with managing it and with disposing of unwanted
material
".
And for G. manicata -
"This plant is listed on Schedule 3 of the EU (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 in the Republic of Ireland as an invasive non-native species.
While this does not prevent it from being sold or from being grown in
gardens in the Republic of Ireland, the RHS encourages those that do
grow it to take great care with managing it and with disposing of
unwanted material. The RHS also encourages gardeners in the Republic of
Ireland to find alternative plants to grow to those listed on Schedule 3
"
I know the problem of an overgrown garden! We've found paths (over 60m long) low walls, a small waterfall, uncountable bags of rubbish tires old farm machinery etc etc, the pictures takes 10 years or so ago are amazing, now it looks like scrub land. I've also just planted a gunnera, so it's all of 6 inches high at the moment, not hardy here at all, needs heavy mulching to get it through a winter.
@Samantha55. My gunnera is just starting into growth now. And it does not flower. It does put up large 'pods' of fruit/seeds at the end of summer. Are you sure it is gunnera you have??
'Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement' - Helen Keller
Posts
"This plant is subject to strict controls as an invasive non-native species under the EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species. As a result the RHS strongly recommends gardeners not to grow it, and consequently do not provide advice on how to cultivate it. If it is already present in your garden there is no requirement for you to eradicate it, but you do need to take utmost care with managing it and with disposing of unwanted material ".
And for G. manicata -
"This plant is listed on Schedule 3 of the EU (Birds and Natural Habitats) Regulations 2011 in the Republic of Ireland as an invasive non-native species. While this does not prevent it from being sold or from being grown in gardens in the Republic of Ireland, the RHS encourages those that do grow it to take great care with managing it and with disposing of unwanted material. The RHS also encourages gardeners in the Republic of Ireland to find alternative plants to grow to those listed on Schedule 3 "
Gulp!