Petasites consists of perennial species that typically grow to a considerable size, featuring robust rhizomes or stems. The foliage is frequently substantial and can be heart-shaped or resemble a kidney. The flowering structures are multiple from a single stem, with leaves generally reduced to scale-like forms. The flowers are dioecious and appear in clusters that lack rays, typically displaying purple or white hues, with yellowish variations being uncommon. These flowers are arranged in panicles or racemes at the tips of the stems.

Petasites

Petasites 'Cristata'

Petasites 'Petzell'PBR

Petasites aff. hybridus

Petasites albus

Petasites formosanus

Petasites fragrans is a spreading perennial characterized by its thick rhizomes, which generate a dense layer of kidney-shaped foliage. From mid-winter to early spring, before the leaves emerge, clusters of pale purple flowers with a vanilla fragrance bloom, serving as an important nectar source for early pollinators.

Petasites fragrans

Petasites frigidus

Petasites frigidus var. palmatus

Petasites frigidus var. palmatus 'Golden Palms'

Petasites hybridus is a perennial species known for its robust, upright stems that support dense clusters of pinkish flowers in early spring, prior to leaf emergence. This plant can develop expansive colonies as it propagates through thick rhizomes. Its heart-shaped leaves can reach up to 1 meter in width, featuring a felt-like white texture on their undersides.

Petasites hybridus

Petasites hybridus 'Variegatus' (v)

Petasites japonicus is a robust species characterized by its large, nearly round leaves that can grow up to 90 cm wide and reach heights of 150 cm during the summer months. In February, it produces flowers that range from cream to white, emerging on sturdy, upright stems that can stand about 30 cm tall. Most specimens offered in cultivation are usually male plants.

Petasites japonicus

Petasites japonicus f. purpureus

Petasites japonicus var. giganteus

Petasites japonicus var. giganteus 'Nishiki-buki' is a robust perennial that spreads through rhizomes. Its sizable, rounded to kidney-shaped foliage exhibits distinctive cream and white variegation. Individual leaves can reach widths of up to 1 meter, supported by stalks that may extend to 1.5 meters in height. In late winter and early spring, before the foliage appears, this plant produces dense clusters of greenish-white blooms.

Petasites japonicus var. giganteus 'Nishiki-buki' (v)

Petasites kablikianus

Petasites palmata (Ait.) A. Gray

Petasites paradoxus is a perennial plant that forms rhizomes and features large, dark green leaves that are broadly triangular in shape. The undersides of these leaves are covered in a white felt-like texture, while the upper surfaces have a greyish tint when the leaves are young. In late winter, as new leaves begin to appear, robust, upright flower stems of a dark pink hue emerge, topped with a dense cluster of tufted, aromatic flowers that can be white or pale pink in color.