Overview

Petasites × hybridus is a perennial herb in the genus Petasites, part of the Asteraceae family. Petasites × hybridus grows best in partial shade and full shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral to slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ground cover, damp areas and naturalizing near ponds or streams. It is native to Dagestan, Transcaucasus, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Krym, Moldova and Baltic States.

About

Petasites × hybridus is a perennial herb in the Asteraceae grown for ground cover in damp, sheltered spots. It favours moist to wet, neutral to slightly acidic soils and performs in partial to full shade. Flowering occurs February to April in the UK. The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids and is toxic if ingested.

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 × hybridus (butterbur) is a perennial herbaceous member of the Asteraceae native to parts of central and eastern Europe and the Caucasus. In the UK it is most often used where soil remains damp and light is limited; it has a natural affinity for north, east and west aspects and sheltered exposures. Plant it in moist, rich, well-drained soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH and place where shade is reliable: partial shade to full shade suits it best. Hardiness is H5, meaning it is hardy across most of the UK; give it consistently moist conditions, as it tolerates wet ground better than dry situations. Use butterbur as a ground cover for damp hollows, beside ponds and streams, or to naturalise in boggy margins where other perennials struggle. Note that it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids and is poisonous if eaten, so avoid planting where children or livestock might browse. For damp-site planting, choose a sheltered position with the appropriate aspect and soil to ensure it establishes well; it is particularly suited to naturalising by ponds and streams.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Petasites

Sunlight

partial shade, full shade

Soil type

moist, rich, well-drained soil

Soil pH

neutral to slightly acidic

Soil moisture

moist to wet

Aspect

north, east, west

Exposure

sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Petasites × hybridus size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial herb

Suggested uses

ground cover, damp areas, naturalizing near ponds or streams

Native to

Dagestan, Transcaucasus, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Krym, Moldova, Baltic States

Toxicity

Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which are toxic if ingested.

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Petasites × hybridus

Cultivation

Prefers damp, shady locations; requires consistently moist soil; mulch to retain moisture.

Pruning

Remove dead flower stems and old leaves to encourage fresh growth.

Propagation

Division in spring or autumn; root cuttings.

Frequently asked questions