Foliage is all you need sometimes to create a bit of drama. Whether the leaf be big or small the green goodness of leaves can create an atmosphere like no other garden element. Sometimes the flowers are a secondary element or just so plain that they are not really noticed at all.
The plant world provides us with drama and deliciousness all around. Gunnera and Cyperus could not be more different in appearance. Gunnera are big and bold whereas Cyperus are fine but both are very tactile – one more pleasantly than the other.
Both bring a touch of the bold and exotic to the garden at this time of year with their fine foliage and both can reach great proportions in terms of leaf size or height. Both enjoy a wet soil and are excellent choices for bog gardens or use in containers that do not drain. With both options – the bigger the pot, the bigger the plant will get.
Gunnera have huge leaves reminiscent of a rhubarb and prehistoric times! The leaves can reach up to 1.5m across if given enough moisture at the root and although they will die back in the winter they bounce back early in the spring. The rough-textured leaves are held on sturdy stems that are covered in small spines. Tactile but not smooth to the touch.
Cyperus papyrus can reach up to 3-4m in height with tufts of slender stems with small light brown flower heads. Each tufted head looks like a cluster of tiny leaves and form an elegant arched architectural shape. A real fave of many of the team here. Tactile and soft to the touch.
Cyperus
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Gunnera leaf, stem and flower bud
