Gunnera Manicata – Live Potted Dinosaur Food Plant

Create an unforgettable garden display with Gunnera manicata, famously nicknamed the Dinosaur Food Plant! This spectacular ornamental plant is loved for its enormous, dramatic leaves, which can reach an impressive 7–9 feet across under favorable growing conditions.

Our potted plants offer an established start compared with growing from seed or planting bare-root specimens. With proper care, plants can reach mature size in approximately 2–3 years.

Plant Details

• Common Name: Gunnera, Dinosaur Food Plant, Giant Rhubarb

• Botanical Name: Gunnera manicata

• Plant Type: Large ornamental perennial

• Foliage: Enormous, dramatic leaves

• Potential Leaf Size: Up to 7–9 feet

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 7–10

• Light: Part shade

• Water: Plenty during hot summer weather

• Soil: Rich soil with excellent drainage

• Growth: Can reach mature size in approximately 2–3 years with proper care

Why Grow Gunnera Manicata?

• Spectacular oversized foliage

• Creates a dramatic tropical-looking garden display

• Makes an impressive focal point near ponds and water features

• Excellent for large landscape spaces

• A fascinating conversation piece for plant collectors

• Potted plants provide a more established start than seeds or bare-root plants

Growing & Planting Instructions

Gunnera thrives when given plenty of room, moisture during warm weather, and carefully managed soil drainage.

Light

• Plant in part shade.

• Protect from excessive heat and harsh afternoon conditions where appropriate.

Water

• Provide plenty of water during hot summer weather.

• Reduce watering during cool, wet periods.

• Avoid allowing the planting area to remain waterlogged.

Soil

• Prefers rich soil with good drainage.

• The seller recommends incorporating up to 25% compost.

• Add approximately 30% hard rock to the planting area to improve drainage.

• Good drainage is especially important during cool and wet weather.

Reaching Mature Size

With suitable growing conditions and proper care, Gunnera plants may reach mature size in approximately 2–3 years.

The impressive leaves can reach 7–9 feet across under favorable conditions. Actual size and growth rate depend on climate, soil, water, and establishment.

Choose a spacious planting location where the mature foliage can develop without crowding nearby plants.

Container Growing

Gunnera can be kept in a container for a season while preparing a permanent planting location.

For container growing, we recommend a potting mix designed for plants that require excellent drainage. Our recommended Potting Soil Mix for Well-Drained Soil may be suitable.

Using an unsuitable potting mix can negatively affect plant survival.

Important Temperature & Shipping Information

Please check your local nighttime temperatures before ordering.

• Do not order until nighttime temperatures at your location are above 39°F.

• Orders are held when temperatures are below 39°F or above 89°F.

• Plants ship only when temperatures are suitable for safe transit.

• Free shipping to most locations.

• Shipped by 3-day UPS, Priority Mail, or UPS depending on the shipment.

• Alaska, Hawaii, APO addresses, U.S. territories, and remote locations may require an additional freight surcharge.

Plant Arrival & Customer Support

Every plant is inspected for quality before shipment.

Living plants may experience some stress during transit. If your plant arrives damaged, please contact us promptly with photographs of the package and plant so we can help resolve the issue.

About Our Nursery

Scenic Hill Farm is a licensed Oregon nursery.

Thank you for choosing Scenic Hill Farm and adding this spectacular foliage plant to your garden!