My Giant Gunnera manicata - A Jungle Garden Problem...

In today's video I discuss how my Gunnera manicata / cryptica has grown huge this year and is now blocking the path through my jungle garden! I look at several different options to balance the garden out, potentially altering the path and surrounding planting to really give this massive plant the room to grow to its full potential. With huge leaves and a prehistoric vibe, this is probably my favourite plant in my U.K. tropical style jungle garden and I love the impact it gives, I just need to create more space for its colossal size! Personally, I think it's a fantastic opportunity to create a more winding path, an even more impressive leafy display next year and introduce some more ferns and hardy Begonias to really add a low-maintenance but beautiful jungle vibe to the updated right hand-side border. Let me know what you'd do, I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts in the comments!
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

[@derekscheshirepalmgardenuk5345]

Hi George I'd personally create a path to the right, but I'd also considered building a wall or strong frame so hopefully if the plants behave they'll grow more skywards enabling you to walk under the giant leaves. This would also create an area beneath the wall to plant up with more ferns etc.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Derek and thanks for your input! After thinking about it and seeing so many great suggestions I think I'll adjust the path to the right slightly after I take the cannas out and potentially use some chunky lengths of bamboo I have to make a frame and angle them up. Hopefully the rounded bamboo would reduce the stalk / leaf damage a stone wall would create and look interesting too. Plus, as you say, more room to underplant - definitely an answer from a true plant enthusiast!

[@steverichardson4374]

Yes mate I'd move it over should start moving upwards soon hopefully

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Steve, I think just a little bit would really help, I'll have a look when the cannas come out.

[@PaulConnor100]

George your right, move the path right over to the fence at that point 900mm wide .I think it would give the illusion of wider garden and nice meandering path creating more character. 👌

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, I can't go over to the fence as I've got my Trachycarpus in and I'd rather keep some planting in front of the fence but definitely another 300mm or so of path when the cannas come out will help and I can just remove the odd leave here and there if required. Thanks for your input!

[@irismoles9369]

Move the path and reduce the border love the gunners

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Iris, I think I'll go with that! They're amazing plants.

[@aquachimp1]

Such a run of many, many sensible, well thought out answers. I can change that. You've probably heard of Banksy and how one of the pieces got shredded just after the auctioneer's hammer came down. Well, I've been looking at your video and them there big, big leaves and, well, I kept getting distracted by thoughts of Banksy using one as a canvas... while winter rolls in to do the role of the shredding bit.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

There we go, a slightly more out there answer! I'd love to see a photo / painting of the garden on one of the leaves then watch a timelapse of it slowly disappearing over winter...

[@Rob-Artiscapes]

Such fun plants in your garden! As far as the gunnera conundrum, I agree with the majority - the gunnera should stay! How about moving the path to the right and taking (almost all the plants from the other side out. Take a tip from Mark's Tiki Garden and create an artistic focal point along the opposite wall. As for the gunnera itself, you had mentioned in a previous video the idea of having an enclosure under the leaves to push them up somewhat. And I see nothing wrong with tying them back a bit to the left-hand wall to achieve the same result. You could also try expanding your plant palette on the right side - roscoea, zingiber, aspidistra, calanthe, bletilla, arisaema, etc.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi and thanks for the great suggestions - I' m pretty much considering the same - a blend of an enclosure, moving the path and changing the planting round. The artistic focal point is a great idea, I can sometimes get so focused on the plants that I overlook ideas like that but it's certainly an opportunity to add some interest to the vertical. I'll have a think over winter! Thanks for the great plant suggestions too, I'm tempted to add some of those after my visit to Simon Mabury's garden, changing the path gives me the chance for more low level planting doesn't it. Problems always create opportunities in the garden!

[@Junyo]

I would place the whole Gunnera about 150cm higher so you can just walk underneath the leaves.

[@christopherj.churchill457]

This!!! Build a specialized raised bed for them! Maybe roundwood with bark on and let them melt in ...

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Great idea thanks, I'd love to but not really an option with the existing tree fern etc. but more importantly these are really thirsty plants and I wouldn't be able to water them enough in a raised bed - they would look very cool though!

[@Junyo]

Yeh. the drainage would be really strong at that height. Unless you put in a layer of something that keeps water from going through too quickly. I'm thinking of something like clay, cardboard, some old wood-planks or even a couple of garbage-bags. Just to keep the water in the top-most layers where the root-system is. Such a layer would also keep the "raised bed" from sinking to quickly.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, yes, I get what you're saying, thanks for the suggestion. The experience of a dry summer like last year has ruled out a raised bed for anything that requires a lot of water for me personally. Even slowing it down it would still require pretty much daily watering. Obviously that's just a personal decision though and what you're saying would certainly help to improve the moisture content by a good bit.

[@ic8466]

yes i would move the path and just let it grow to its full size. its an eye catcher and impressive. i love Gunnera manicata and cant get one like that so yes let it grow. very nice.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, I think that's what I'll do!

[@whgodseywillgodsee7988]

Reducing the right border is a good idea. Personally, I would prune. The one big leave in the path would be snipped right off.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, I'm leaning towards reducing the right hand border to give it more room. I don't want to hack it back on a regular basis but you're completely right, if I needed to get the barrow through or open the path up for people to come through one year, I could soon chop off a leaf or two.

[@missdimples1982]

Amazing intro shot!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much, I'm pleased you liked it!

[@shineamenmbs3107]

First off, this short intro is a pure gem George! You have to face it, "he" is the boss! It's like squaring the circle. I don't like that much the idea of a raised bed for "him", seing the leaves from above is certainly more beautiful than seing them from under. Why not keep only one, and give away the 2 others? Just cutting 1or 2 leaves as different persons suggested, is the easiest. And what about moving him to the end of the garden near the Eucalyptus trees? But sure, he wouldn't look like a King as he does now... (look at me and how beautiful I am...). All the best George!🙋‍♂

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much Bernard and apologies for my delayed response! Yep, he's definitely the boss! I think I'm going to try a mixture of all the suggested ideas - keeping three plants but then moving the tree fern, widening the path and also propping it up next year with a low bamboo rail (so the leaves don't get ripped up). As you identify, they'd struggle at the far end of the garden and I don't really want to have to water down there (so might sulk!). We'll see though, sometimes inspiration strikes when you're not expecting it. All the best!

[@shineamenmbs3107]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden Thank you for your time and your wise answer as always mon cher George!💚

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@@shineamenmbs3107 😊 I’ve got another video coming up soon, an autumn trip around Mark’s garden too.

[@dirtcheapplants]

Looks fantastic George!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thank you very much, it's grown well in this cooler, wetter summer!

[@user-zw9vp7kr7x]

Hi George It’s a no brainer really. Move the path to the right and cut one leaf off the Gunnera if needed. I would not move either of the 3 at all. The tree fern deffo needs a move at the back. I have 2 gunnys in giant pots, both ( 200 litres ) I love them to bits 😊

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

They are amazing plants aren't they and you're right, I'd really rather not move them. The small tree fern could get moved to the opposite side as somebody else suggested and yes, if I had to get past with the barrow or had people coming round, I could always hope off a leaf or two to be practical. Hopefully a combination of widening the path and propping them up with avoid that becoming a regular necessity though... Are your potted plants sat in trays of water?

[@user-zw9vp7kr7x]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden They are both planted in a really rich mix and I incorporated lots of chicken pellets when planting. I feed them with a seaweed fertiliser when watering and they are kept moist all of the time. Plastic pots are about 220 Litres . I had a big one in the ground in my last house for nearly 19 years. When I moved I split it into 5 pieces, gave 3 pieces to friends and kept 2 for myself. Mine didn’t like the move and I lost them. Took me a while to source 2 good size new plants for myself and said to myself that these would never get disturbed in future. As you know yourself, some plants go into shock when moved. Shame I lost mine but happy I got good replacements now. 😃

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Nice one, great to hear the story behind the Gunnera and it sounds like you're doing everything you can to keep them happy with the seaweed and water. Yeah, the small divisions seem to take well, but as larger plants, I imagine they'd struggle to keep their leaves happy with a much reduced root-system. We learn all the time though don't we and as you say, at least you've ended up with good replacements!

[@mrchuffy6535]

George I can make all your problems go away! Excellent video thanks!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hahaha I bet you could! Thanks and I hope all goes well with your winter preparations!

[@wesleyhackney]

I think your plan you have for the Gunnera sounds like a good one make it more manageable

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, we'll see how it goes, I'd like to avoid moving them if possible!

[@ARW.7]

OMG! I haven’t watched your videos for a good several months and holy moly your garden has grown. Those Gunneras!! 😂😂 Jurassic park T-shirt well deserved here..

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha good to have you back and the Gunneras definitely haven't hung around this year! I haven't fed them any more so I think it's really the rain and getting properly established now that have supercharged them. Definitely rocking the JP vibes!

[@GrowTropicalMK]

That made me laugh..printing off cheeky Gunnera pics. I am sure you were a perfectly normal child :-) I have probably commented on this video previously, but that is a monster. If mine gets this size it will likely block out the 7/8foot Thuja Green Giant behind it.The race is on this summer and am so hoping the gunnera takes it!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha yes, Gunnera is definitely one of my all time favourite plants! I imagine yours will have raced on significantly since you left this comment, apologies for the delayed reply!

[@stevebacon1026]

Hi george . Its a gunnerra ! Like it luv it live with it . Its a top dog in your garden. Its doing what it supposed to do. Work your way round it move things! Go for it george!!!. Regards Steve.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hey Steve and thanks, yes I agree. I'll make a few path modifications and give it a bit more space to do it's thing!

[@wesleyhackney]

You definitely created a monster! I’m going to try growing a couple next summer here in panhandle of Florida near my little pond and see how they do. You do still have such a beautiful jungly tropical paradise

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

You're not wrong, I imagine with enough water they'd really enjoy your climate! Ideally shelter them from the midday sun as it can cause them to wilt but with your soil they should grow really well.

[@TheLittleGreenBee]

Yes put a curve in that path and let that Monster grow❤❤❤

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Yes, it's happening! If it ends up blocking the path again I think the main emotion will be pride it's got so big!

[@PlantMad]

I would strip the right side border back to open up the path way, move your tree fern that you mention moving over to right an work from there,like you i really wouldn't want to disturb or butcher those awesome Gunnera

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, I think that's what I'll do. I hadn't thought of moving the tree fern over to the right, that's a great idea thanks!

[@DJSupaflyguy]

I’ll have the cannas if your getting rid of them 😂 an yeah I’d do exactly as you suggested an maybe ferns under gunnera leaves. 👌👌👌👌 Top Content as always. 👍

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha I'm sure I can find somewhere for them but nice try! Thanks, I think I'll go with a mixture of the suggestions and give the beasts more space to get even bigger and better next year!

[@DJSupaflyguy]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden yeah was worth a try an I don’t blame you I’d do the same.😂👍

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha yes 😂 I might have a bit of a plant sale in spring but we’ll see!

[@samanthalonghurst-howes1465]

I like the sound of the 3rd option of moving the path to create more space. Love the combination of the ferns and begonia together - I have purchased some of the begonia myself since watching your garden tour. How do you deal with slugs in your garden? My canna’s have suffered this year due to slug damage. I have been going out each night removing as many as I can find etc but to no avail. Xxx

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks Samantha, that's what I'm going to do I think. Move the path and adjust the planting with what I now know works well in that area. Nice one one your Begonia purchases, I really like them. As for the slugs, my garden gets it's fair share of slug damage I'm sure as we're quite shady and damp for a lot of the year. To be honest I don't really do anything, just accept the damage and try my best to encourage the birds & frogs to control them. We even had a hedgehog in the garden last week so hopefully they're all helping out! Respect to you for manually removing them, that's the way I'd do it if I wanted to control them more myself.

[@evelynscott3384]

George we love your videos! My husband I call you the Steve Irwin of jungle gardening :) But I worry your appeasement policy approach may not be sustainable!! I was planning on planting a Gunnera after seeing your previous videos to soak up water in our back yard (we lovingly call our home “Swampetto” - we live down here in sultry Savannah, Georgia USA.) but when I searched to purchase a plant the first google article was about the UK banning the plant! It’s like the Hitler of the garden - gobbling up more and more - you move the path but it’s not enough - he wants it all! lol. I think you are just delaying the inevitable war. BUT speaking of war - we still might like to plant one because our yard gets overtaken by Kudzu vines (which are banned here). So we are going to import the Gunnera South American invasive plant to fight the invasive Japanese kudzu (vines grow 6” a day in summer heat -- it’s so creepy!) and see who wins! Garden Mortal Kombat :) --- so question: since the plant has officially been banned in the UK what are your feelings on Gunnera cultivation now?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Evelyn and thank you so much ! Any kind of Steve Irwin comparison is high praise indeed so thanks - he definitely had an inspirational enthusiasm which I'd love to tap into now and again! It's cool to hear about your plans for a plant based Mortal Kombat at Swampetto, may the best plants win! We don't have Kudzu vines around here luckily but a quick Google search definitely shows why they're banned. I think the Gunnera situation is a little more nuanced and I actually made a quick vid on the subject just before Christmas that explains it better than I could succinctly type out here. The gist is that Gunnera tinctoria is the one that's invasive (in terms of self seeding) in some mild and wet parts of the UK so was banned but is still everywhere in the trade being mislabelled as manicata. The bigger garden plant we knew as Gunnera manicata has since proven to likely be a hybrid with tinctoria which was renamed Gunnera x cryptica a few years ago and now that plant has been classed as invasive without (as far as I understand) a huge amount of research into whether the hybrid is actually invasive. So it's pretty complex but as far as I know anecdotally, the bigger plants aren't a high risk for invasive self-seeding and are potentially largely sterile. Personally I have no concerns about my plants taking over the garden in that respect BUT they'll certainly get bigger as individual plants which may need more management in the future and I might have to try to steer the rhizomes as they grow. The thumbnail was oddly prophetic though! How do they cope with your heat and humidity?

[@heatherfindler6950]

HI George. What an amazing plant, those leaves are amazing. Personally I would raise it up so that you end up walking under the leaves. There is a tropical plant nursery near where I live and he has an exhibition poly tunnel and the Gunneras are all in huge planters, which encourages them to grow up and you can literally walk under the leaves and they are as huge as your gunnera. Worth thinking about?

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi Heather, it certainly is and that's a great idea thanks! If I had a damper garden I'd definitely be tempted to try it but I think they might struggle in summers like last year if they were raised up. Something to think about for the part of the garden closer to the house though...

[@katsuragardeninkent2424]

Over the years I have seen your garden develop and you re now encountering the same problem many gardeners have when they plant up a new garden: Add lots of plants when you create the garden to "fill it up" and then, very few years later the plants have grown to a size where they are crowding each other out as they are getting too big for the size of your space. You then have to make decisions about "editing" the planting either by removing some of your treasured plants altogether (I aam facing this with some trees for example) or moving them. If it was my choice I would move the gunnera as if you dont you will have an ongoing problem every year as it grows. I would put it at the very end of the garden as the final destination.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi and yes, you're completely right. It's always an expected part of the evolution of a garden - the filler cannas etc were only ever there for a few years but you're right, some unexpected plant success, failures, problems and opportunities are bound to happen along the journey so further editing is required. I get where you're coming from regarding the Gunnera and appreciate your thoughts but in my garden this is the spot where I'd like them to grow and they'll grow best. The far end is too sunny and dry (and now planted up with appropriate plants!) so I think I'm going to try a blend of propping them up, moving the path slightly and moving the cannas and that one bamboo to give more space (as they'll grow anywhere). Like you say, it's about priorities and not being afraid of being decisive when required for the long term good of the garden. For me, making this video and seeing all the helpful comments has helped me realised the importance of having the Gunnera where they are, I just need to manage the practicalities!

[@cynthiastogden7000]

Trebah can take it. Mine in SE Cornwall has taken off this year, as have the bananas. In fact this year has turned everything jungle like.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha yes, Trebah is awesome isn't it. It's certainly been a great year for the exotics which prefer a mild, wet summer over extreme heat and sun hasn't it.

[@amphetaminelogic7006]

Dont change a thing - at best, take a leaf off it. The obstructed paths add to the overall view. Its a little close to the path, but with a 7m wide garden thats what you cant get around....

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, I'm with you on the not changing much. I might settle for widening the path slightly, just where the cannas are currently but then work with the gunnera on a year by year basis! If I'm doing work at the end of the garden or we're having people round, a leaf or two might come off, if not, they're staying!

[@dianeschultz1648]

I would move the Canna and shift the path over a bit. That area is a little cramped. Hopefully the Gunnera won't get any bigger! Personally, I love the Gunnera in your garden, but for me it is a pass. My tropical garden is pretty small. Love your videos. Very inspirational!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks you very much Diane, that is what I think I'll be doing - the best compromise and hopefully it'll end up looking and being more balanced. Yes, Gunnera probably isn't the best plant choice for a small garden but if you saw my vid at Simon Mabury's Leeds garden, he manages to fit it in somehow! I appreciate the support and apologies for the delayed reply, it's been a busy week.

[@davidbanner9001]

I would definitely leave the Gunnera and move the treen fern. Making the path narrower on the other side, really is the best compromise. I didn't get round to planting my Gunnera this year and when I do there will also be 3 treen ferns behind it, that are already planted. I'm hoping that the Gunnera will mainly grow towards the light and essentially away from the tree ferns. Only time will tell. Well it will once I get round to planting the Gunnera I have named the "Kraken" next year.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

That's what I'm thinking, thanks for your ideas. I don't think I'm losing much making that opposite border narrower and the more room for the gunnera the better! Hopefully yours will grow towards the light too. The 'Kraken' is a great name, they definitely have that sea monster vibe to them in spring with their twisting alien limbs!

[@leemaharg3788]

I got the same thing with my tetrapanax papyrifer rex the main stem died because of the winter even with protection it was about 3ft high now I have 6 all 2 ft growing at the base of the main stem they have taken over an area 6ft by 6ft and 4ft high and that's with half of the leaves cut off 😅😂 ,I need to split the next summer or repot them over winter 😮

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha yes, last winter was certainly a bad one for them - the upside was that the supply issues of Tetrapanax are a thing of the past now! I think you just have to choose the best and either take the others out as you are doing, potentially now or in spring or chop them off and allow the others to grow as they will.

[@NikNakGB]

If they were higher up you could walk under them & with that in mind, I'd be trying to solve it from that angle, what could be more glorious than walking under those giants? (raise the bed & lower the path)

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Very true, they'd look amazing! Long term, I will actually have a paved path running through here and I do want to lower it slightly but unfortunately raising the bed isn't the best option for Gunnera. In a summer like last year they'd need a hose on them 24/7 and still be wilting haha! Hopefully time will create a similar effect and I might try to encourage them to grow towards the sky too!

[@SHOREPATROL37]

How about some old tyres large ones pinned in and place on top of each other , allowing the leaves to grow only upwards & also the rubber tyres are an insulator in the winter this will let you walk underneath and then plant underneath which then won’t have empty space

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

That's an interesting idea thanks, something I hadn't considered before! I'm half tempted to make a frame with some large bamboo canes I've got as that may be more decorative but if that doesn't worth out well then the tyres may come into play!

[@fraserdavidson2366]

Not sure if this would be possible, George, as I do not own one of these beautiful specimens. Could you do some kind of banding around the base of the stems to pull the stems closer together and lift the height. Something that would not cause any rubbing. This would allow for space to walk past and potentially allow for some more under planting... Just my thoughts. I think it would be my first choice to try.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks for the idea Fraser, I'm tempted to try making a low bamboo fence around them to persuade them to grow upwards, hopefully the rounded bamboo shouldn't rub the leaves as much as other options...

[@danielvickers2899]

Plant anther 12 big Gunnera and construct a bridge over them

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Haha yes, the perfect solution! Paths are just a waste of good planting space anyway 😂

[@-1-2-1-]

How do you protect the gunnera from frost. I have tried to grow it a few times and they reverentially succumb to frost.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, I cover the crowns with the old leaves in late autumn and that's pretty much it. What low temperatures did you get down to roughly when you lost them?

[@christopherjones9826]

Reduce border opposite and make path wider

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, I think that's the way forward, a bit of adjustment.

[@davidkain3555]

Just wondering, do they spread when left alone? (Self propagation / Invasive like the other genus?)

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, good question and mine haven't self seeded at all, no, despite leaving the influences in a shady, damp area. So no worries there on a garden level - it's tinctoria which is the invasive one.

[@davidkain3555]

Thanks for the reply! I've ordered two baby ones. They will live next to a pond. I'll keep'm inside until June, before planting'm.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I don't know if you've seen the recent news on this but I've uploaded a vid on my experience with Gunnera cryptica and the recent classification as an invasive (although it's not something I've come across at all or heard of from other growers)@@davidkain3555

[@milkweeddreams8828]

Yup, I always move the paths when the plants get too big, then I put in a temp bamboo fence to hold them back and it looks great with the bamboo plants...I just cut back a barrow full of ginormous banana leaves so I wouldn't get soaked walking by...up to 8 huge racks now...shameless I know...

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

I'm tempted to do the same - or similar making a bamboo fence around it a lower level to point it up more. Haha 8 racks of bananas, you're definitely showing off now!

[@wilbertrienstra8978]

I would move the pathway to create more space and leave rye big monsters

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, I think that's what I'll do, I don't want to disrupt them much!

[@MultiMarty25]

Gunnera manicata is very invasive in here in west of Ireland it self seeds everywhere and a real pain to get rid of if it gets established.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Hi, we're lucky enough not to have that over here. Is it the genuine manicata / crytica that's invasive or could it be tinctoria?

[@MultiMarty25]

@@GeorgesJungleGarden oh yes I think it's the tinctoria actually.Its a nuisance.

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Yeah, that's generally the one. I haven't noticed any of mine self seeding in the garden here, even when I leave the old flower spikes on damp ground. Tinctoria is certainly one to be wary of and it makes it even more frustrating that most labelled as 'manicata' in the trade are actually tinctoria plants.

[@mexi7290]

Ok HEAR ME OUT...Put the Gunnera in a very raised bed (hidden by other plants) so you can walk under the leaves :)

[@mltthorn]

I love the thought of walking under them. How about lowering the path instead. However, looking down on the huge leaves is another aspect. Which gives another aspect of the garden such as using a bridge. Excellent challenges!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Great idea and if it wasn't for them being so thirsty I'd definitely raise them up! @mexi7290

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

@mltthorn Hopefully they'll naturally get more upright but long term, I'd love to sink the path down slightly and hard landscape it. A bridge would be awesome but maybe not too practical in my space, certainly an excellent challenge though!

[@missdimples1982]

I would have a path to the right, not that I am any expert mind, you are 😅

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Thanks, I'm thinking of doing that too! I don't know about expert but I wanted to hear everyone's ideas and I am pleased to hear that the majority of people are keen for the Gunnera to stay (and get bigger and better soon enough too!)

[@philippehoyez9398]

This is the simple reason why I don't want it in my garden after seeing what is happening at Trebah Garden Cornwall as I don't have the space for this invader!

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

Manicata / cryptica isn’t really invasive in the sense that it self seeds and pops up everywhere etc, I believe the ones at Trebah must have been deliberately planted but they are still huge plants and that’s what I’m juggling 😊

[@user-rk1uz4ur4m]

George just cut the bigger leaves

[@GeorgesJungleGarden]

That's always an option if we're having people round / I need to work at the far end of the garden but equally I want to work out a solution where I don't have to chop off more than one or two. Hopefully a combination of adjusting the path and propping the plant up will get me there!