About
Petasites japonicus, the giant butterbur, is a large, vigorous, rhizomatous perennial producing cream to white flowerheads on stout, erect stems to 30 cm in February, before the huge, suborbicular leaves emerge � reaching up to 90 cm across and 1.5 m in height. Usually the male plant is offered in cultivation. A dramatic architectural plant for a moist, sheltered, informal garden.
About the genus
Petasites, the butterburs, are large, vigorous, rhizomatous perennials with very large, heart-shaped or kidney-shaped leaves and dense clusters of small, daisy-like flowerheads on scaly stems in early spring, before the leaves. Grown in moist, informal borders and wild gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectNorth-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread4-8 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toKorea China Japan
Care notes
CultivationGrow in deep, humus-rich, fertile soil that is permanently moist but not stagnant, in partial or full shade. A large, vigorous, spreading plant that has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
PruningRemove the old foliage before the onset of new growth in late winter
PropagationDivide in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free