Gunnera Manicata Flower Spikes

danbc1972RPehXIjL

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.

Uff

Is there something wrong with the leaves @danbc1972RPehXIjL

danbc1972RPehXIjL

Not as far as I can tell apart from the fact that there seem to be fewer than usual

philippasmith2

Could it be due to the dryish Spring we've had ?  Gunnera do like a damp site.

Loxley

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!

danbc1972RPehXIjL

Thank you. I'm very grateful

bertrand-mabel

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.

greatnorthernexotic

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!