Mine was the same a couple of weeks ago San, All slimey and the big fat bud things were black, Its looking great now, there's about 6 leaves showing and ive stopped fleecing it at night, ive also watered it just once in the 2 weeks as I thought it was wet enough, soaking really, now the sunshine is here ill start watering it.. hope this helps...

thanx Dee, i just went out to check it and pulled it up but all rotted and not a root left, no bugs though so think its the frost, i should have covered pot with a fleece i think but was told it was hardy and just to cover top with leaves, oh well another one bits the dust :o( glad yours is ok Dee :o)

Aww what a shame San, I bent the old leaves over the crown, then folded fleece on top, then some plastic stuff to keep the fleece on.. I only paid £2.00 for it (very small) and by the second summer, last year, it was quite big considering its in a pot.. go on, treat yourself to another one :)

your right Dee i got mine from ebay about same price as yours, so may have another go, thanx :o)

Sanbaz - if it's in a pot, I suspect the compost froze solid as well so the poor thing got a real fright. As well as fleecing around the pot next winter, I suugest you move it either inside an outbuilding or right against the house wall for added protection

thanx andrew for your advice, will make sure i do that next time. cheers

Crikey! how cold does it get there?? I have a mate in the central north Island where it frosts frequently in winter and he has several gunneras doing really well, but planted in the ground.