Overview
Petasites albus is a perennial herb in the genus Petasites, part of the Asteraceae family. It typically grows around 0.6 m tall. Petasites albus grows best in full sun and full shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Gruziya, Ukraine, Austria, Denmark, Føroyar, Iceland, Portugal and North Caucasus.
About the genus
Petasites is a genus of flowering plants in the sunflower family, Asteraceae, that are commonly referred to as butterburs and coltsfoots. They are perennial plants with thick, creeping underground rhizomes and large rhubarb-like leaves during the growing season.
In the garden
Petasites albus is a perennial herb in the aster family, native to parts of Europe and the North Caucasus including Gruziya, Ukraine, Austria, Denmark, Føroyar, Iceland and Portugal. Plants reach roughly 0.6 m and produce compact clusters of white composite flowers in late winter to early spring; flowering in the UK occurs from February to April. Give this species a moist but well-drained location in either full sun or full shade; it will grow in sandy, loamy or clay soils. It is rated H7 for the UK, which means it is fully hardy across the British Isles, and its USDA range of 4–8 shows a broad cold-tolerance in temperate climates. Sit plants where soil remains consistently moist rather than bone-dry. In cultivation use Petasites albus where moisture and shade come together: beside ponds, in damp borders or sheltered corners that receive little direct summer sun. Allow for its mature height when positioning it in a scheme so the white flower clusters can be seen from planted paths or seating areas. Expect those white flower heads reliably from February to April.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Petasites
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Full shade
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Petasites albus size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herb
- Height
- 0.6 m
- Native to
- Gruziya, Ukraine, Austria, Denmark, Føroyar, Iceland, Portugal, North Caucasus
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Petasites albus
- Propagation
- division, seed
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Petasites albus?
Petasites albus prefers full sun and full shade.
What soil does Petasites albus need?
Petasites albus is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Petasites albus grow?
Petasites albus reaches a height of 0.6 m.
Is Petasites albus hardy in the UK?
Petasites albus has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
How do I propagate Petasites albus?
Division, seed.
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