Gunnera manicata
Chile rhubarb
- Position: full sun or partial shade
- Soil: deep, permanently moist, humus-rich soil
- Rate of growth: average to fast-growing
- Flowering period: June
- Hardiness: fully hardy (borderline)
A dramatic, architectural plant, with massive, deeply veined, rounded leaves held on stout, prickly stems. This majestic plant looks wonderful at the edge of a large pond or stream where its foliage is reflected in the water. One of the most spectacular plants that can be grown in Britain, it requires deep, permanently moist, humus-rich soil, lots of space and protection from cold, drying winds. - Garden care: Cut back the dying leaves in autumn. In frost-prone areas protect the crown of the plant with a dry winter mulch such as straw.
Osmunda regalis
royal fern
Magnificent giant fern. Great beside water
Ligularia 'The Rocket'
golden groundsel
Towering spikes of brilliant yellow flowers
Astilbe 'Fanal' (× arendsii)
false goatsbeard
Fluffy, wine-red flower spires
Hosta 'Big Daddy' (sieboldiana hybrid)
plantain lily
Enormous, grey-green, puckered leaves
Jungle
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Give it pride of place in a large border or damp woodland, with lots of humus (an a hose pipe near by); ideal by a pond, stream and ditch
Lucy Summers - Greenfingers Guides