Overview
Petasites fragrans is a perennial in the genus Petasites, part of the Asteraceae family. Petasites fragrans grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates moist and well-drained soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include ground cover and woodland garden. It is native to N Africa.
About
Petasites fragrans is a perennial in the Asteraceae that forms a spreading ground cover and produces fragrant flowers in February to April. It prefers partial shade or shade on moist, well-drained soils and has a UK hardiness of H7 (fully hardy). Suited to woodland planting and shady borders, it performs best where the soil remains reliably damp. The flowers are scented and appear early in the season.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Petasites pyrenaicus
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 fragrans is a perennial member of the daisy family native to North Africa that establishes as a ground cover in shady, moisture-retentive sites. It flowers from February to April, and the blooms are scented, making it one of the earliest-scented shrubs of the year for shady spots. Give it partial shade or full shade and a moist, well-drained rooting environment; it tolerates cool winter conditions and carries an H7 rating, meaning it is fully hardy across the UK. Avoid siting in dry, exposed places—this species performs where soil remains consistently moist rather than baking out in summer. Use Petasites fragrans as a ground cover beneath trees, along the shady edge of borders or in a woodland garden where early scent is valued. Its tendency to form a cover helps suppress weeds in shaded areas. The scented flowers arriving in late winter to early spring provide a seasonal focal point in a shady understorey and are particularly noticeable on still, mild days between February and April.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Petasites
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- moist, well-drained
- Soil moisture
- moist
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Petasites fragrans size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- ground cover, woodland garden
- Native to
- N Africa
- Fragrance
- Flower
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Petasites fragrans
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, shaded areas; can be invasive
- Pruning
- Cut back after flowering to control spread
- Propagation
- division, root cuttings
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Petasites fragrans?
Prefers moist, shaded areas; can be invasive.
Where is the best place to plant Petasites fragrans?
Petasites fragrans prefers partial shade and shade.
What soil does Petasites fragrans need?
Petasites fragrans grows best in moist and well-drained soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Petasites fragrans?
Cut back after flowering to control spread.
Is Petasites fragrans hardy in the UK?
Petasites fragrans 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 fragrans?
Division, root cuttings.
