Gunnera in shade?

In my new garden I found a Gunnera by the pond side, but it is very small, although Gunnera-like, tight shape of leaves and prickly stems, so I think it's just starved, as it's in a pot and not really damp enough. If I put it in the ground beside the pond it could become too dominant, and anyway, the pond is rubber lined so maybe still not damp enough.

On the other hand, under some trees, by a bank, I've got a damp patch, not to say a mud hole, no doubt helped by the septic tank 5 meters away. Would the Gunnera cope with shade? If it does, it should be an ideal spot, no?

 

Hi Tor , we just had a similar tread on general garden , Gunnera dasn`t like to be in pot , loves dump and shadow , the site you describe dasn`t look bad but if a tree is there that means that usually tree are taking all the water .....but at the same time it could be ideal , has the plant will provide winter protection.
mine is in the shadow , clayest and dumpest part of my garden and look great.

 

ps mine as been drilled by the hail .

 

You plant your's in clay soil? I thought it only liked humus soil.

 

clay keep the moist , this year we had a -8 and the gunnera survived happy and healty , under strange circustance i had my Thalia next to it and for the first time i managed to keep it alive , I think clay keep them warmer in winter and keep the roots undercontroll ....or just luck.