Gunnera x cryptica Banned in the U.K. - A Gardener's Thoughts & Questions

In today's video I discuss the recent news of the DEFRA Gunnera x cryptica ban here in the U.K. - the plant we knew as manicata or 'Giant Rhubarb' is now classed as invasive and banned from sale, propagation or cultivation to help prevent it's spread into the wild. It came to light recently that it's likely there are no genuine manicata plants in the U.K. and that the larger leaved plants we knew as 'manicata' are in fact a cross with the smaller, tougher and more invasive tinctoria (causing issues in parts of Ireland & Scotland) and were subsequently classed as the 'Gunnera x cryptica' hybrid, now banned through fears of being an invasive plant. Whilst no doubt a shame for many U.K. exotic or tropical style gardeners or those who appreciate seeing these enormous leaves in the jungle gardens of Cornwall and stately homes and botanic gardens throughout the country obviously environmental security and preserving our native habitats is paramount. In this video I explain the evolution of the Gunnera plants a lot of us grow in our gardens, what the Gunnera ban means for gardeners and ask the question - is this plant actually invasive (coming from the perspective of a long-time grower)? I can completely understand a ban that targets the huge amount of tinctoria being incorrectly sold in the trade or one in the chance that new variants might pop up as further crosses take place but I'd be really intrigued to know if any of you have actually found this plant actually spreads significantly and has anywhere near the invasive potential as tinctoria and particularly when so many other plants which are notorious self-seeders are still available in the trade.
'UK bans giant rhubarb after study finds popular garden plant is invasive species' - Gunnera article in the Guardian: www.theguardian.com/environme...
Updated RHS Gunnera manicata / x cryptica advice, I really would recommend following this advice if you grow these plants, especially if near a water course: www.rhs.org.uk/plants/gunnera
Yorkshire Kris Gunnera Banned video explainer: • Gunnera Banned! What ...
If you've enjoyed my content and would like to say thanks for the price of a coffee then please head over to my Ko-fi, any kind donations would be appreciated and put towards creating more exciting content: ko-fi.com/georgesjunglegarden​​
Thanks,
George

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I haven't had much time to look into the research further this weekend but wanted to put out a quick video as I'm aware I've got other videos recommending Gunnera manicata (or more recently x cryptica) and even one about how to divide it and I wanted to address these in light of the recent guidance. As a passionate grower of exciting plants, I do find it a shame that these amazing plants will be restricted. As somebody who cares deeply about our countryside and it's future I'm pleased that potential threats are being assessed and actions taken. As a member of the exotic plant growing community I do find it intriguing that the plant they've now banned is one that I've seen countless posts and comments from people unable to grow from seed even with a lot of TLC! Any alternative evidence is welcomed. Let me know your thoughts! Obviously I recommend being responsible growers, following all relevant advice and not propagating / allowing these plants to spread into the wild but I'm very pleased they don't have issues with established plants.

[@mk-ur4cq]

I've heard isle of Harris in the western Isles has a problem with its invasion. The soils wet but the climate is terrible. I would say regional band make more sense.

[@home_aqualife6425]

Great vid George, lots of knowledge there mate, keep up the good work

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much! Apologies for the delayed reply, I had some time off over Christmas. I'm not sure about knowledge but happy to put forward my learnings and experiences where I can!

[@edmundeva7231]

I lived in Cornwall and i love gunnera, it probably is my favourite plant. I thought it was rare to find in the UK outside of Cornwall and certainly not found outside of a carefully managed garden. However when visiting the west coast of Scotland earlier this year i saw it everywhere, growing along gutters with flowing water by roads. Certainly looked as if it were spreading by seed.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi and thanks for your input, they are such striking plants! I've seen pics of the Gunnera in Ireland and Scotland before and don't doubt it's invasiveness there, I think the big question for a lot of us exotic plant growers is that do those invasive plant populations actually contain x cryptica / manicata genes or are they all the (known invasive) tinctoria which definitely needs getting under control? It's a tricky one but if the big manicata / x cryptica plants were invasive you'd assume it would be quite obvious from the size of them!

[@garethvanderwesthuyzen6420]

I grew up in Monmouthshire, South Wales, and Gunnera grow wild along the Monmouth and Brecon canal. Therefore I can understand the blanket ban. However a quick look online and there are plenty of UK nurseries still selling them. Hybrids, as a general rule, are sterile.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Gareth, were those plants tinctoria would you know? I completely agree with the previous tinctoria ban if sensible planting and maintenance can't be guaranteed (which they obviously can't when looking at the wider plant-buyer market) as it's a proven invasive plant in certain parts of the UK but cryptica seems to be a different matter. You'll see 'manicata' for sale for a while I imagine and as I mentioned in the video, those plants should now be labelled as x cryptica but in reality will likely be plain tincs so a bit of a mess! You're right on hybrids but due to the variability I wonder if they're concerned about further cross pollination, more fertile and larger forms and maybe there's a big issue with cryptica in the trade that have more overtly tinctoria traits and a stronger invasive potential that they're trying to police? It seems a very quick reaction considering 'x cryptica' was only recently confirmed.

[@vincenzecalzone8666]

A very balanced video George on a difficult subject in which you've managed to successfully navigate a pitfall riddled path whilst maintaining your focus. Well done sir 👏👏👍

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, I appreciate it! Believe it or not this is probably the quickest video I’ve ever filmed and put together (limited free time and the rain didn’t help!) but I had to make sure it wasn’t a carbon copy of Kris’ very quick and helpful explanation vid and allowed an amount of personal thoughts whilst as you say, navigating carefully. I know I’m very much preaching to the choir but it’s interesting that not a single person who’s commented has ever noted the plants self-seeding and somebody has grown it over thirty years!

[@vincenzecalzone8666]

@GeorgesJungleGarden It certainly speaks volumes. It would be reasonable to expect in this and similar scenarios both inside and outside of the gardening environment real world experience should be taken into account when making decisions like these. We will all draw our own conclusions as to whether this has been done on this occasion I'm sure

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@vincenzecalzone8666 Very true, wise words indeed 👍

[@tropicalstylegarden]

I'm SO glad I got hold of two Gunneras just in the nick of time in 2023! The first was sold as a G. manicata from a local garden centre, but I very soon suspected it was actually a G. tinctoria. Then, a couple of months later I was gifted a cutting from my cousin's giant from her garden, which is definitely G. manicata, and looks very different to the "manicata" that the garden centre sold me! I will nurture both carefully through the winter, and look forward to watching them become giants over the years ahead!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Julie, I'm pleased you managed to get one and will look after it! I hope they grow well for you.

[@4parsnips976]

Great video George. Full of useful, honest information. I bought a gunnera labelled manicata, several years ago and the first year it grew huge. The following year it didn't grow as big and eventually last year I transplanted some of it to another border and it died off. I've had a rummage recently and there's no sign of the rhizomes. Shame. I really like them.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much, I try my best. Sorry to hear about your Gunnera, sometimes you just get individual plants which aren't as strong or get set back don't you. I hope you're able to find a replacement if you're looking for one.

[@PeterEntwistle]

Great video, George! I was a little surprised the other day when I saw the news via Kris's video. But as you mentioned I can see why they have done the blanket ban to prevent tinctoria or cryptica with lots of tinctoria genes from potentially spreading and being an issue. I still think more research needs to be done on the subject as it does seem, at least anecdotally from a lot of people, that cryptica doesn't appear to be invasive at all. Definitely a shame, as I never got around to getting one and so now I will never be able to have one in my garden.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Peter and I completely agree. The fact that it's taken many decades of growing manicata only to recently find out that it's a hybrid shows that yes, further research on the matter to establish the exact plants in circulation and risks is definitely required (and I'm sure will be being done). As I've just put in another comment, the fact that it's incredibly difficult to buy a 'genuine' cryptica these days as it's likely still labelled as manicata and even more likely to actually be a tinctoria (which is already banned) probably shows that the current situation isn't exactly working! As a fellow grower though, I feel your pain and I hope the further clarity and evolutions on the advice are found.

[@chriseverest4380]

Said with a Hestonesque snarl... "They'll have to prise my gun(nera) from my cold, dead hands"

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha yep, I know the feeling! I'm pleased the guidance stops short of saying they need to be removed but it will be sad to see so many potentially left to fade in larger gardens.

[@markchitty6505]

I was thinking of planting that next year, was top of my list... so that finishes that idea it seems, but still have others to pick up next spring ... 😎

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Yeah it's definitely a shame but like you say, there's plenty to focus on, particularly when you're in the exciting stage of building and developing a garden!

[@YorkshireKRIS]

Good responsible video and worth to note that the situation may be different in other countries. Goodbye Gunneras, you shall be missed.

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

If it were me, I’d get you all together and fight this if they’re not really invasive? There’s more of you than you think.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks @YorkshireKRIS and that's very true. In this day and age, it's certainly a global effort but they did specifically acknowledge the UK for invasive concern so I do hope there's research that backs up the evidence of manicata / x cryptica genes in the invasive populations as anecdotally in garden terms there seems to be minimal risk. Yeah, it's definitely a shame, there's nothing quite like them for scale and prehistoric vibes and they certainly captured my imagination as a child!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi @TheBarefootedGardener and I appreciate the sentiment - it's certainly something I'll look into more if I get the opportunity and there's any chance to explore the story more in a video I'd be up for it. You'd have to presume though that due diligence and the appropriate research has been done to confirm the presence of x cryptica in the invasive Gunnera populations rather than just a decision made on a potential very few (if any) gardeners have actually seen as far as I know...

[@davidbanner9001]

I do understand the blanket ban in some ways. I have bought 4 x Gunnera over about a 3 year period. 2 plants bought from garden centres, turned out to be "tincs". It wasn't until I joined a Facebook group that I was able to get hold of 2 cryptica. However I still see people selling plants on these groups that certainly have more "tinc" genes that cryptica.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I certainly agree with you and if it became apparent that the ban is because of the huge amount of tinctoria plants that are sold as manicata (which obviously should be x cryptica by now) I absolutely get it. It seems a shame that growers and gardeners are suffering for the mistakes and inability to ID on the supply side but I like you, I certainly understand if that restriction on tinctoria and more tinctoria dominant plants is the reasons for the control required. It's frustrating isn't it and it has been as a buyer wanting to get the right plant without knowing an expert.

[@thomaskrell3379]

I have both in my german garden - Manicata and Cryptica. I just love both of them. Cryptica came from the Netherlands. I bought Manicata here in Germany.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Ahh right, nice one. Yes, they're both fantastic plants! Your manicata is likely the 'x cryptica' hybrid in question here so hopefully these issues don't affect you in the near future.

[@susiefoxy8130]

I bought one ( no idea what kind) in a garden centre on holiday in Cornwall a year ago, it’s doing really well in a damp spot in my garden, in fact looking at it today it has a large pink bloom coming up!

[@panizshirazinia2218]

Hi, ive got one in my garden was gifted one. Just seen its banned, is it still ok to grow it in the garden?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Nice one Susie and apologies for the delayed reply. Wow, it sounds you've chosen a great spot for it, I hope it continues to grow well!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi @panizshirazinia2218 and apologies for my delayed reply. Yes, even following the guidelines to the letter, there is no requirement to dig up and remove the plants. Hopefully it grows well for you!

[@jemsgardenisleofman1902]

Hi George, thanks for your thoughts on this. I know of an abandoned garden near where i live where the gunnera cryptica has gone a bit crazy, but its been abandoned for at least 20 years, and as far as i can see its only spreading via rhizome, no evidence whatsoever of it growing from seed. There is a river running through the garden, and there is no sign of gunnera popping up downstream. I understand the ban, but self seeding does not seem much of an issue.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi and thanks for your info too, it seems like we're on the same page. Not a single comment so far has provided evidence of any self seeding at all but yes, if the ban is a result of the complete mess in the trade (countless tinctoria mislabelled etc.) or x cryptica hybrids found with potentially more tintcoria traits in invasive populations then I too understand the justification. That abandoned garden sounds pretty amazing! Like any plant, it will mature and grow if left alone for that length of time but they've still not extended far from the initial (human) planting have they. Easily controlled in the scheme of things, not a prolific self-seeder etc so I do hope there's more research and justification that I haven't yet been privy to.

[@tonytwobins4964]

I was literally going to devide my plant today and give one to my niece...after watching your vid on it ....then I watched this and thought "Who's the lucky ones ? Foreward thinkers " .

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Very true! I don't know when the guidance technically comes in but as long as you're growing your plants responsibly who am I to judge...

[@kris662]

Seems weird banning this but buddleia or whatever the spelling is has spread on every inch of waste ground near me in Glasgow

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Yeah, I completely understand. My devil's advocate answer would be that buddleia tends to (very successfully) colonise areas including brownfield and industrial sites where literally nothing other than other smaller 'weeds' grow in the initial years. It also has a degree of wildlife value so doesn't appear to be as pressing an issue to DEFRA etc. as other plants which threaten the native balance in more 'natural' habitats. But yes, the last time I went to Glasgow I noticed just how much of it was around - there was one growing out the roof next to our hotel room window! And yes, I definitely agree that vigorous self-seeders should rank a lot higher up the assessment list than a plant which has a technical potential but as far as I can anecdotally see, very little evidence of spreading at all...

[@onemanfran]

Buddleia is destroying many buildings and yet they focus on japanese knot weed which hasn't damaged any houses in the UK

[@kris662]

@@onemanfran it's all over train stations here in Glasgow in the walls it's gonna be a huge bill fixing all this stuff but they don't even pull it out. I've seen it growing in roofs here in Glasgow it's mad they ban gunnera but this is still allowed and spreading all over the place.

[@kris662]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden lol there's so many growing in the brick work and roofs of buildings around Glasgow it's literally everywhere. I was looking forward to getting a gunnera next year looks like I won't be getting one now

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Yeah, sorry to hear you won't be able to get a Gunnera. I guess DEFRA get involved where there's a threat to ecosystems and native wildlife rather than damage to walls etc, so I imagine there's justification for Japanese Knotweed but it definitely makes you question the system when seemingly sterile plants appear to have been banned for potential issues and localised plant problems happening now are left to get worse and worse without action.

[@respectandgrace]

Giant Gunnera has been in my local park next to a stream for 20+ years and the rhizomes are impressive but they havent spread very far. I dont believe a word they are saying.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I think your story mirror what other people have said doesn't it - tinctoria might be a known invasive but manicata / x cryptica seems very well behaved...

[@joezimmerman1089]

I saw the RHS link you gave mentioned the G. insignis and G. killipiana, has anyone tried these? It seems like in the post-manicata UK these might be the substitutes

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Joe, they're cool plants and I know of an odd few people that are growing them. They are pretty tender though so unfortunately not a real substitute for many of the gardens where Gunnera grows so well here and is enjoyed by so many currently.

[@cynthiastogden7000]

Update: suddenly my Gunnera is twice the size ( oh dear 😂). All the rain in the SW, and at last some sun has given them a boost. It is not self seeding though.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Wow, I'm pleased to hear it's grown well - mine certainly has too. They love the high amount of rainfall don't they. Apologies for my delayed reply!

[@ARW.7]

I was wondering what you would make of this news!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Yeah it's a shame for a lot of us UK gardeners but I completely understand the importance of protecting our native habitats from external risks. I need to do some digging and read through the articles / research on them but I wanted to put a vid up addressing the subject as I'm well aware that I've got videos published on how to divide it and recommending it as a garden plant etc!

[@rj12341]

They'll make it to the black market 😂

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I imagine there'll be a more rigorous and accurate naming of plants than in the current horticultural trade!

[@markdraycott3974]

Still widely available on an online bidding website 😉

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Very true I imagine as well as at plenty of other garden centres and nurseries! Even if this was a 100% justified and necessary restriction, it would still take years for the trade and control over private sellers to catch up!

[@philippehoyez9398]

The nettle is also an invasive plant to the point that in a few years it manages to colonize an entire abandoned plot of land from which it will take years to eradicate it. Being considered “useful”, its survival is however assured.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Very true and in today's age there's certainly a place for 'exotics' which perform a useful function in a changing climate. Gunnera though, unfortunately don't seem to fit that description!

[@mk-ur4cq]

It's not hard to get rid of nettle. It's native and certain butterfly benefit from it.

[@JH-fv1gq]

My 30 year old gunnera has never seff seeded. Offsets froze to death also so not very hardy either in my case

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

That's good to know thanks and it seems to tie in with what everyone is saying - either x cryptica is sterile or requires very specific and unlikely conditions to germinate in most areas of the UK. I've always imagined established plants would survive winters without protection when larger but you're right, the offsets and smaller plants definitely don't seem to be tough enough to thrive by themselves in the majority of the UK!

[@cynthiastogden7000]

What about all the big gardens in Cornwall who have loads of them.???. My gunnera when we had 2 nights of light frost suddenly keeled over and lost it's leaves so presume is is not invasive.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I truly hope the owners, head gardeners and various establishments don't do anything rash and rip them out. In most of the gardens I've been to I don't imagine they give them additional water down there anyway so there's no reason they shouldn't be allowed to keep them - cutting the inflorences off would be a potential way forward to further reduce any chances. I've not seen winter protection addressed under the cultivation but in Cornwall established plants should survive just fine. You are right though, as young plants, they can be quite tender - even tinctoria - which is I imagine any invasive issues are confined to especially mild areas.

[@keithomelvena2354]

With climate heating, UK gardeners will probably find the number of potential garden favourites that are reclassified as weeds, will explode. In NZ where I live, many of the plants you love for creating exotic effect are already banned. Both types of Gunnera are banned here. They tend to establish in very difficult places to achieve control such as steep cliffs along streams. Where I live in NZ they would never be a problem. It's too dry and the sort of habitat they can natralise into just doesn't exist, but people move plants around, so blanket ban it is. Phoenix canariensis is a problem weed with a ban in the pipeline, Even Trachycarpus seeds into the wild.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi and apologies for my delayed reply. You do make a good point that climate change and the wider availability of plants will certainly introduce new problem or invasive plants in places where they hadn't previously been an issue and that sometimes a blanket ban may be the only swift way of tackling this even though the potential may not affect the whole geographic region. It's probably the same case here for tinctoria which is invasive in the wetter, milder parts of the UK but the waters get murkier when you start looking into only very recently reclassified hybrids. From another angle though, we may all be relying on a number on these 'alien' species to provide for wildlife in the shifting seasons and also give more resilient planting options better able to cope with drier, hotter or more extreme weather. It's definitely going to be a tricky issue going forwards with climate change ramping up the issues and need for action and I certainly think us gardeners will have a greater role to play in terms of reducing the invasiveness potential of certain plants and also cultivating a more sustainable, adaptable and beneficial range of plants in our outdoor spaces.

[@onemanfran]

I have gunnera - it's a year or so old and in a bit green fabric planter - it's right next to the house and I'm on the south coast - do you think it needs any protection?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, you should be just fine given your location and place for the plant. Potentially just pop some tree leaves or fleece over the crown during frosty or freezing weather.

[@floramcarthurarbuckle9695]

Maybe George the plants at Chatworth are managed so well is the reason they are not spreading and seeding. 🤔

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, good point and I haven't spoken to my contact there to confirm. All I can say is that whenever I've been there over the years, the flower spikes have always been left on so there didn't appear to be any kind of management or control beyond the usual for any plant. With it being a fairly really recent change in guidance too, there would have been no reason to control it previously either.

[@floramcarthurarbuckle9695]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden it's a plant i abs love. The Gunnera at my college is def spreading SLOWLY, but that is HUGE and has prob been there for 30 or so years and they call it G. manicata and we removed the seed heads and tepee it every year. It has most def seeded from where it was first planted. As on side of a water course. Yet the garden where i volunteer has a much smaller and they have never removed the seed heads or even did anything to it over winter. It only appeared about 8 years ago. Never planted by anyone there 🤷‍♀️

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

They are magnificent, majestic plants and I hope more research can be done into what is increasingly looking like often a sterile hybrid, although your reports of seeding are interesting. I wouldn't rule out intentionally planting as it's always been fashionable to plant them next to water. As for the smaller plant which appeared, I'd almost definitely say that's tinctoria and the one causing the issues in certain milder areas.

[@StanWatt.]

Gunnera doesn't exactly run rampant, does it. I've had mine for fifteen years and it's only spread ten feet. I certainly have never seen a gunnera seed pod.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Nahh it doesn't and your experiences certainly tie in with everyone else so far! They do produce brown seeds on the inflorenceses but I believe they're either largely sterile or require very specific or unlikely conditions to germinate in the majority of the UK.

[@Tminus89]

Hi George, I wanted to ask you something to verify.. My Ensete have been indoors now for about 3 weeks, stood upright in their pot with nothing in them but the roots. In this period, until march when you put compost/soil in the pot, do you completely stop watering or do they need a sip here and there?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, it depends on a few factors personally but if the plants are smaller or in a brighter / warmer place then a sip here is a good idea (as long as there's no signs of rot or mushiness). For larger plants in cooler places you don't really need it.

[@Tminus89]

​​@@GeorgesJungleGarden thanks! I have little space so I have about 14 pots in my bedroom (on the ground floor)😂 it has only indirect light, heating stays off and the window open a lot, so I keep the temps down (between 9-12 degrees celsius is my guess). But I will keep an eye out for it

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha not many people can get away with that! Nice one, if they start to wither away too much then a drink every couple of weeks or so should keep them ticking over for the next couple of months or so.

[@Tminus89]

Will do, it's an adventure 😆 I thought I was going to dry store them at first, but decided otherwise later on

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

It is indeed, good luck with them!

[@deanwright5490]

Gunnera I don’t believe is a problem had mine 15 years only grown about 2-3 feet more from first planting yellow bamboo should be banned more so I have this & it is so difficult to contain…

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Your experience definitely seems to tie in with everyone else's! The only Gunnera spreading seems to be the predictable and steady growing of the rhizome. As for the bamboo, I don't think it's something that should be banned personally as it's not invasive in the sense it self-seeds and freely spreads way beyond the initial plant but I 100% think that more information needs to be provided by (especially) the more mainstream sellers of running bamboos and rhizome barrier offered alongside.

[@tomwinter1]

At the beginning you hint that TRex and Bamboo are also banned, is this the case?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Tom and no, they're not banned - apologies for any confusion. I was just implying that they are controversial plants - Tetrapanax is known for pupping / sending up suckers in the exotic gardening community and bamboo is widely planted without the relevant preparations, knowledge and maintenance then given a bad reputation for causing issues. No reason for either to be banned though - they don't prolifically self-seed or spread large distances so wouldn't be 'invasive' in the sense of being considered a threat to native habitats, flora and fauna.

[@mrchuffy6535]

I was worried about my small gunnera dying this year, doing everything to keep it alive and turns out I should have been putting down barriers and worrying about it taking over all of the local area :P thanks for the content George

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I know, seems daft doesn't it haha! On the flipside though, I'm sure there were people struggling to get Japansese knotweed growing well as a nice foliage border plant (to make the comparison most of the papers will!)

[@mrchuffy6535]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Yeah I do understand it in a way, its just hard to take it serious when it doesn't seem to survive our winters without protection and then every bit of scrap land has buddleia out of control on it.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Yes, me too and I understand it's a very nuanced decision in terms of impact on native flora and fauna / wildlife value / how much it wants to become a monoculture at the detriment of other species. All that requires a lot of research you'd hope and yes, the only comments I've had are from people who have never had it self seed and others who say they simply wouldn't get it through winter without care! I don't think Buddleia should be banned either as such, but it certainly makes you question what actually categorises an invasive plant in their eyes.

[@estherterrier6400]

I live in Cornwall not far from trebah, my gunnera has never spread through the seeds,been in my garden 3 years,I will continue to use it round my garden😊

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks - and you're lucky to live near there - probably my favourite garden! Your experience ties in with every other comment so far, enjoy them in your garden and I hope they get bigger and better for you!

[@roguedungeondelver5738]

Ironic we couldn't even find Gunnera Rhubarb over here.😂 George one of my Musa Basjoos has gone Mushy at the top of the stem but thick and still coloured red at the end, I cut it just a foot from the ground and fleeced it. This has never happened until the cold. Will the Musa Basjoo regrow duting the Summer. Thank you.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi and apologies for the delayed reply, just getting caught up with comments! Yeah, it's definitely an unusual decision for us exotic plant growers isn't it! As for your Musa basjoo, I'd wait another month or 6 weeks or so when we should be past the risk of anyway prolonged freezes and chop it back to where it's firm. It should grow away again just fine when it warms up, don't worry. It's perfectly normal for the stems to go mushy after a colder spell even with some fleece over it in a less than mild winter but the plant will grow back I'm sure.

[@roguedungeondelver5738]

​No worries, I did a few weeks back chop it since I admittedly panicked about and have it covered with fleece. Its funny now that we've had nothing but mild balmy weather. Thank you very much George.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hopefully the mild weather continues after this chilly blip and we're into some genuinely Spring-like weather soon!

[@TheIcebon]

There’s a badger behind you at 4.35

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi and thanks for the heads up - you had me worried there! It's actually Remi, the larger of our two miniature Dachshunds, having a nose around the undergrowth which made me smile! Sometimes he gets mentioned, other times he's just out there in the garden exploring with me but yes, without context I can see why you picked up on him!

[@susiefoxy8130]

Looks like a dog to me 😂

[@phil3332]

Why is it that you can put a barrier down to stop the spread of bamboo, so why not for Gunnera's. Sadly, far too big for my garden.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I think the issue is more tinctoria and potentially tinctoria hybrids self-seeding and spreading via waterways etc. Bamboo is often referred to as invasive but it's generally because it spreads via rhizomes to where it isn't wanted rather than colonising areas of the countryside. You're right, Gunnera is a big beast so definitely worth planting with some consideration for it's size.

[@thecornishbiker9323]

I can see a few more popular jungle style plants working there way onto the band list soon.😢

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hopefully not! I think the key issues here is for a plant to be classed as invasive (in my understanding) it has to either be a prolific self-seeder or capable of quickly colonising and disrupting the balance across large areas. Whilst Tetrapanx might sucker on a smaller, very local level - it rarely sets viable seed and bamboo etc. are only invasive in that they often grow larger than. expected or in the wrong places and subsequently cause issues without the correct knowledge, preparation and maintenance.

[@thecornishbiker9323]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden hopefully 🙏 the powers that be will look at the bigger picture.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Fingers crossed there is more research currently being done!

[@brianfreeman8290]

I shall remove my Tinctoria. It's always been a struggle to get it established anyway, ironically. However, my thirty five year old huge patch of , what I thought was, Manicata, at the side of a vigorous stream, has only ever spread by my replanting chunks. It occurs to me that such old plants may not have been hybridised, How would a botanist define the difference between Manicata and x cryptica ? No mention of G. Magellenica, which spreads like mad !

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

That's completely your decision but I understand and your irony seems shared by a lot of others. I originally thought my plant might not have been hybridised either - it's a division I was given from a very old garden with mature clumps of them but pondering the issue further I think the gist of the research was that it's unlikely true manicata would actually survive here long term anyway and the photo I've seen looked very different to 'our' manicata. They can actually study specific plants to determine the genetic makeup. As for magellanica - believe it or not but they actually recommend that as a substitute on the RHS site! Not only is it a very efficient spreader but as an alternative it's not really a fair substitute size and impact wise - like some of the substitutions we occasionally get on our online shopping!

[@brianfreeman8290]

I shall have to be very observant, as my stream runs out into forest. I'll start cutting off the flower spikes.@@GeorgesJungleGarden

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Personally I'd say that would be a very responsible thing to do given the current advice.

[@cake-diver8991]

I've got 8ft of phyllo bamboo coming into my garden from a clueless neighbour and the plant ive been trying to get for over a year is banned now that ive got one

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Yeah it's a funny world and sorry to hear about your bamboo issue! I don't think bamboo should be banned - it isn't invasive in the sense that it self seeds prolifically or will spread widely into habitats without human interference BUT I definitely believe that more information provided and rhizome barrier should be sold alongside at the more mainstream sellers especially!

[@mk-ur4cq]

I made a concrete wall so mine won't get into neighbours. If it did it would probably grow back into my other borders.

[@cake-diver8991]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Definately more information should be provided and I don't believe it should be as readily available because of it's growing habits. I'm not too concerned about it atm, it's just inconvenient. I'll get a good clump of phyllostachys when i dig it up in Spring but I'm a little peeved about having to be the one to buy and lay down the barrier. Should be on the neighbour but hey ho

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Yeah, it should definitely be their responsibility to control it and cover any damage caused. At the very least the bigger DIY stores and garden centres should probably have a range of clumpers along with barrier and more information on the sizes they get to etc.

[@thegreenthumb6184]

I understand your points here where I live in the united states in the state of Indiana there trying to ban a lot of plants as well. Even a new one I want Wich is rhododendrons. Instead of giving people warnings about hay don't plant them near oaks cuz they can give them a disease of there planted next to them they claimed there invasive and are trying to ban them in the state of Indiana and I don't see them being invasive at all. So I think everyones just kinda being anal about it. Cuz it's the native plant folks pushing hard. On things. Lol might be a war between the tropical plant communities and native plant communities lol.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I'm obviously opposed to any banning without evidence and adequate research but equally for a lot of invasive plants historically we've only realised the damage when it's been too late so in this day and age we do need to be cautious. Rhododendrons can really cause issues over here too but again it's not all rhododendrons and it may be limited geographically so I agree it's a tricky and nuanced subject. Wouldn't it be great if all the media official agencies and plant communities were all on the same page! We need a lot of introduced plants to support our wildlife in a changing climate with warm winter periods and exceptionally dry summers etc. but equally need the encouragement for larger projects and developments to include more native and biodiverse planting areas where largely non-beneficial and often monoculture plants are chosen purely because they're low maintenance or look a certain way.

[@thegreenthumb6184]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden I agree with you. Lol I feel like we could make a KZbin video together just talking about this for hours. Lol.

[@Islandgirl4ever2]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Had NO idea about Rhodos, now I have to look it up.. I live in the central part of France, we are in the same climate zone, 8b, so I was really interested in adding plants you have in your garden. I have a Japanese garden on the part part of my yard, and an English garden on the other side of the driveway.. Thanks for all of your info, and I LOVE your garden.. My parents live on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.. I envy all the things my Dad grows in his garden that grow so wonderfully.. But, I do love all the bulbs I have in my garden.. soooooo..

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi @Islandgirl4ever2 and apologies I missed this comment - thank you so much for your kind words! Yes, Rhodos are definitely an issue here and there's several wooded areas around me where they're starting to take over as the dominant species below the trees. Wow, it sounds like you've got a lovely garden and the combination of Japanese and English styles sounds amazing. Obviously I imagine your parents have some incredible plants too! I think it's really a case of enjoying the planting opportunities that might be just about possible in your garden whilst also featuring a lot of the beauties which grow easily too. I hope 2024 proves to be a great growing year for your garden and you get plenty of time to enjoy it!

[@olsonlr]

Wish that they were more heat tolerant. They don't like the hot humid summers in the southeast of the US

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

They actually seem to have quite a narrow band of conditions they thrive in don't they. I guess with those big leaves they must struggle to get enough water up - they were wilting on a hot summer's day at Chatsworth a few years ago and those a mature plants growing on the edge of a pond!

[@ThebeardofCrunt]

Personally I think theres a lot worse plants that need to be looked at, certain Bamboo and rhodendrons for example. As usual it seems a knee jerk reaction to a virtually non existent problem, I would of thought. There is a difference between Potential and actually capability.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I certainly agree where you're coming from and hope the research was done both ways - not just in finding the tinc genes in cryptica and subsequently banning it, but also in finding proof of manicata / cryptica in significant invasive populations - or at least a large amount of mostly tinc hybrids in the trade that could pose a real risk. As for your rhododendrons, that was the first example that came to me. Even in some of the woods in Lincolnshire they're having to battle hard to control them and once they're established it's virtually game over for any competing vegetation in a woodland environment. Bamboo is a tricky one because it isn't invasive in the sense it freely self seeds or escapes into the wild and threatens native vegetation in that way but I certainly agree that more education is required before planting and personally I believe it should always be sold alongside rhizome barrier and with the appropriate information for buyers. Again, it comes down to information and research doesn't it, not reactions or opinions.

[@theimbiber]

Soooo if this hybridization occurred many years ago and it is invasive why am I not seeing gunnera covering acres of countryside?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

HI and that's a good question. My devil's advocate answer would be that Gunnera has only proven to be invasive in the most mild areas of the UK and obviously they can be areas critical to other native species and of high environmental importance - not to mention they might become more widespread as temperatures rise. My personal thought would be yes, the plant only seems to be invasive in very specific locations and circumstances and as far as I can tell, the x cryptica plants grown by others commenting here don't seem to have ever self seeded - so potentially either the problem is just tinctoria or the ban is more a result of the huge amount of tinctoria in the trade and further hybridisation...

[@user-jw6dw9jf8w]

I'm an environmental technician, in my opinion it's more the environmental agency showing that it has power, because if it's been there for so many years and still isn't in the entire country, it's not invasive. and if we look at the evolutionary question, species specialize and evolve in the region in which they live, the gunnera found in England is not the same as the one found in Brazil, it has already acclimatized and belongs to the local environment, this is called naturalization. It's sad to see people having to lose their plants because of superstition and new legislation from people who don't understand, I bet whoever made the law didn't study the positive impact caused by the plant.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, apologies for the delayed reply, it's definitely a nuanced issue. I understand that certain plants can be invasive in certain areas and that can be an issue for the native vegetation and anything to curtail that should be considered. I also wouldn't fully push the positives of the tinctoria populations but I do agree that for whatever reason a blanket ban without thorough research certainly doesn't seem measured.

[@Handles_AreStupid]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden It's strange that they are concerned about a plant because it's a hybrid of a proven problem plant. There are several plants that are directly related to known problem plants that are perfectly fine. Bamboo and knotweeds are a good example of that. Just because it is a bamboo, that doesn't mean it runs. Just because it is a knotweed, that doesn't mean it will ruin your houses foundation. It's strange that cryptica has existed in britain for 161 years and going, but they have only just banned it because it "MIGHT" be invassive with no real evidence. There is no evidence that they can send runners, send roots that break concrete/brick, re-seed through winter or even exist without winter protection. This doesn't seem to be a measured response. I am putting in a tropical border this year after researching this area for over a year to make sure I know absolutely everything I could, and gunnera was on my list. I made sure to get one before this ban officially went through and I will get rid of it when hard evidence proves it's harm.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi and sorry I missed this comment. Yes, the hybrid element and (unproven?) 'invasive' potential is the part that struck me too (along with the lack of real evidence to suggest it features any of the invasiveness / problem plant concerns you list). I'm pleased you got hold of a Gunnera and it sounds like your approach is practical and measured. 'Invasiveness' is certainly a tricky topic for gardeners, especially us exotic gardeners but I completely agree with what you're saying. Some of the bamboo posts and comments in the larger groups definitely make you roll your eyes a bit but I get the impression a lot of people enjoy regurgitating fears and warnings rather than practically looking at the facts and taking the appropriate measures when planting in the first place. I hope we hear an update on the Gunnera in the future. Good luck with all your garden plans @Handles_AreStupid

[@stephendavies6506]

I planted one a few years back. Its in ideal soil ect but has never moved anywhere else. This year i devided it up and put a segment further along the garden. I very much doubt people will stop selling or giving away plants. The plant will probably be more saught after now especially if you cant buy it.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Stephen and good to hear your experience echoes that of everyone else! The only spreading of cryptica seems to be intentional and by division. As for your second point, yeah, I suspect you're right. As a grower and customer, it would be good to know with confidence that any plant that is banned is deservedly so and there's absolutely no reason to flaunt the rules and be able to buy a plant with the correct ID from sellers - I think that's been the main frustration and potentially a factor behind the ban!

[@wesleyhackney]

Sorry to hear this again Government sticking their nose where they don’t belong or have complete knowledge. Guess this does not impact us here in US

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Yeah, it's a DEFRA decision and ties in with Europe but I wish I knew more about the evidence and rationale for the decision! I also struggle to understand how they could have complete knowledge when the hybrid was only confirmed so recently - unless it's based on an analysis of plants in the trade which are mostly tinctoria anyway! You're OK luckily!

[@TheBarefootedGardener]

I’ve never grown any type of Gunnera. That said, for my anecdote, the New York department of conservation has listed miscanthus grass for example, except for a few cultivars, as invasive… Yet in NY, they’re not. (I’ve seen 2 probably miscanthus seedlings in my decade+ of horticulture...) Yet, callery pears, Rose of Sharon, English ivy, etc. are sold freely without having any restrictions placed on them… I think the “potential“ for plants to become invasive with little evidence undermines the whole bloody argument about invasive species. Hell, they’re even saying Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is “invasive” because it’s native FURTHER SOUTH!!!!!! 😤Sorry George, I went on a little rant there.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hey, rant away, no need to apologise. It definitely seems from a complete amateur and outside perspective that the invasiveness of a certain plant is certainly a nuanced and incredibly geographically specific issue. I get we live in a world with a rapidly changing climate and we obviously all need to do our bit to preserve the native flora and fauna but when seemingly sterile hybrids are named and in the papers yet there's so many other plants causing issues, what does get 'banned' seems a bit random! I imagine something like English ivy has the potential to take over a small wooded area within a matter of years but then to list a grass that rarely self-seeds is bizarre. Obviously I'll respect all the terms and advice but I do hope the correct evidence and investigation has been carried out and it's not just another plant casualty because of a potential issue as you say.

[@respectandgrace]

They are banning it because its a good food source if people were desperate

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I think you'd have to be VERY desperate and there's certainly a lot of other plants in my garden I'd be eating before this!

[@Rocketman0407]

For garden enthusiasts the rule will not have much impact. If they stop selling them you can probably buy seeds or seedlings online from another country. Its not like it will be enforced in private gardens.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, I don't disagree but personally I'd have no issue responsibly following all guidance and even using my platform here to advise others as long as the relevant research and proof has been provided. No matter how much I wanted a plant in my garden, if it provided a genuine threat to native wildlife and plants I wouldn't source it through other means, but I completely understand how decisions like this undermine the system for a lot of garden enthusiasts. I'm still waiting for a single comment saying the plants have ever self-seeded and some people have said they've grown it for decades!

[@RichardABW]

I guess you'd be ok to just happen to leave some of it in a pot outside, and for someone else to find it.

[@RichardABW]

What is mental about this ban is the discovery earlier was that cryptica has been here for 100 years. Maybe it's an issue in super-mild places, Ireland etc. But this is way less invasive than so many other things.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi and yeah, the gap between the hybridisation happening and the discovery would certainly point to the fact that it's a tinctoria issue instead and yes, you're right that I could only see them spreading to any extent in milder areas. Obviously climate change may make more of those milder areas and I definitely see a need for the Gunnera nursery trade to be properly scrutinised but ultimately you're right - not a single person seems to have confirmed so far that their x cryptica plant has ever self seeded!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

As for your first comment, they'll always be people that flaunt the definition of the rules - personally I'd always follow the advice BUT I'd like to see more relevant research and proof that the issue is actually a real and major concern.

[@radharcanna]

Gunnera has been growing unchecked in certain parts of West Donegal. It’s a real nuisance. Personally, I think it’s one ugly plant and shouldn’t be growing anywhere except in its native setting. It gives me the creeps! Having to deal with a large infestation of Himalayan Balsam in my parents’ garden, I’m getting depressed and worried about all invasives and the damage they do.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, you're absolutely right in that Gunnera tinctoria is causing problems in certain mild, western areas of the UK and Ireland and should absolutely be controlled in the trade more effectively than it has been. The recent controversy and reason for my video is over the recent guidance that all hybrids containing the tinctoria genes are 'banned', despite much evidence that many of the larger Gunnera are likely to be sterile and therefore not likely to be an issue in invasive populations which only affect certain areas of the country anyway. I do feel your concern regarding invasive plants and I hope you're able to get on top of the Himalayan Balsam situation at your parents' garden. We're heading to a point where the potential for issues caused by invasive plants has never been higher but arguably the demand for resilient and biodiverse flora in a climate with rapidly changing climate is certainly key, so considered management, thorough research and common sense will absolutely be key as we move forwards - none of which seem to apply to decisions like this in my opinion. As for it being an ugly plant - we'll agree to disagree there and I don't expect to change your mind! Pretty and beautiful it is not, but striking, ridiculously oversized and with huge prehistoric presence it absolutely is and I hope we continue to have a great variety of plant options for all gardens and gardeners and our native wildlife as we move forwards responsibly.

[@radharcanna]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden I was only half joking about its ugliness! The size of those leaves is indeed impressive. If it can be proven that hybrids aren’t invasive, then they should of course be allowed. It’s a difficult question. It’s good at least that people like yourself take a responsible approach to it.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Don't worry, it's certainly not a pretty or beautiful plant by any measure but as is probably evident by my other videos, I enjoy quite a visually diverse range of plants. Yes, I agree, a difficult question and I think we agree on the key points that proof, common sense and responsibility when appropriate are all taken into account. The problem in my eyes comes when you compromise on any of those three points but I imagine there'll be plenty more similar instances going forwards!

[@EddyFeyen]

Always strange first telling people we want biodiversity and then comes the BUT NOT... In nature, if they really want to go there, this plant could be here as well, from seeds from whatever etc. If you let nature do its thing, there shouldn't be a ban on any plant. But i have mine in Belgium and without protection it probably would die

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hey Eddy and I get your point. It's murky water really as to some extent we're going to have to rely on a certain amount of introduced plants as we live in a world of changing seasonal patterns, more extreme temperatures and all the associated repercussions on native flora & fauna. That being said, I completely understand the need for controls and creating balance where hugely competitive and not necessarily beneficial plants are upsetting the natural ecosystems. I think the key to both is certainly research though, and whilst a ban may gain a lot of publicity I do question if the main issue here isn't the trade not selling plants that are genuine x cryptica in the first place and whether they're even a plant that survives and spreads without any care here either!

[@philippehoyez9398]

RHS notices are not in the Bible!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Very true but where DEFRA etc are concerned you'd like to think that it's all well researched and common sense advice that's best for our gardens, plants and surrounding world.

[@jerrymoore491]

Noooooooo! F the government 😂

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha it's DEFRA but wait until some of the other papers get their way - Kris and I will be held up as unpatriotic villains harbouring invasive South American immigrants in our gardens, knocking down the surrounding house prices and taking jobs from the hard working British plants!

[@aquachimp1]

Stop the Leaves

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha yes, that's what they'll all be chanting with their pitchforks in the air!

[@DJSupaflyguy]

👌👌👌👌something fishy if you ask me like you say it’s hard to propagate or germinate so where’s the evidence of them growing wild ?🤔 Thanks for the info anyway. 🫡👍

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I don't know about fishy so much as (at this stage) potentially overcautious and branding them both under the same umbrella. I'd hope that there is common sense at the heart of the decision though and the fact that it's incredibly difficult to buy a 'genuine' cryptica these days as it's likely still labelled as manicata and even more likely to actually be a tinctoria (which is already banned) probably shows that the current situation isn't exactly working!