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Gunnera Manicata Flower Spikes

danbc1972RPehXIjLdanbc1972RPehXIjL Posts: 6
in Plants
Hello,
I wanted to ask if cutting back the flower spikes of my Gunnera will improve the foliage? Ie Allow the plant to focus its energy on the leaves.
Thank you in advance for any replies.

Posts

  • UffUff Posts: 3,199
    Is there something wrong with the leaves @danbc1972RPehXIjL
    SW SCOTLAND but born in Derbyshire
  • danbc1972RPehXIjLdanbc1972RPehXIjL Posts: 6
    Not as far as I can tell apart from the fact that there seem to be fewer than usual
  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    Could it be due to the dryish Spring we've had ?  Gunnera do like a damp site.
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    edited April 2022
    I don't know whether it would or not, but I wouldn't do it, because the flower spikes are so fascinating and part of the plant's appeal IMO. Giving tons of water and a well-rotted manure mulch is probably very beneficial!
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • danbc1972RPehXIjLdanbc1972RPehXIjL Posts: 6
    Thank you. I'm very grateful
  • bertrand-mabelbertrand-mabel Posts: 2,697
    We have 3 plants and every year just as the leaves are developing they get hit by the frosts and then take a time to get going again. We leave the flowers on as they are also part of the architecture of the plant.
  • greatnorthernexoticgreatnorthernexotic Posts: 119
    One benefit of keeping the flower spikes on - it makes it far easier to identify if your gunnera is a manicata or a tinctoria. As mine have both flowered for the first time this spring, I've now realised I have one of each!
    Growing tropical and desert plants outdoors in West Yorkshire
    INSTAGRAM/ YOUTUBE
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