Young Gunnera has brown crispy edges to leaves what is causing this?

It's the time when Gunnera are dormant. I'm surprised that she could find one with green leaves. They don't like cold weather, and should have winter protection until spring when they start back into growth again.

Our Gunnera manicata dies back in autumn. I lay the old leaves over the crown of the plant to a) protect the crown and b) to remove the old leaves from the adjoining garden. I am surprised that your daughters plant has retained its leaves over the winter but, maybe, this is because it is still a young plant. Gunnera is a waterside plant and should have plenty of water available.

Hi everyone,
Many thanks for all your possible reasons, I went to my daughters and apparently she had it in her living room in a small 12" pot, the problem was caused by insufficient watering. As my daughter is new to gardening she was frightened to give it too much water and drown it!.
She has now watered it properly and it is doing well, she hopes to put it out when there is no more risk of frosts, and she will keep it covered as you all suggest in the winter.
Once she has got it planted out, I'll get a photo of it and post so you can all have a look.
Many thanks again.
Rubytuesday

Now, that would be something to see, Ruby. A fully grown Gunnera in a pot in a living room :-0). The mind boggles.

Yep. lol

I do really hope she does get it outside while she can get it out the door!!
Thanks for everything, your a star.