You've seen it in all the English gardening books, you've seen it featured in landscape design magazines, and now you can kill one of your own. When properly grown, G. manicata can reach 10' tall with an equal spread. The giant thick leaves double as an umbrella for the entire family. Remember killing gunnera at least three times is an official right of passage before you qualify as a true plant nerd. This holy grail of plant nuts everywhere needs a cool moist site to survive, and will not tolerate more than 40 summer days with temperatures above 90 degrees F. Keep in mind it hates heat and extreme cold. Personally, if you don't live on the West Coast, eastern mountains, or similar climates, there is virtually no chance you can grow this. Best of luck!
