About
A spreading, rhizomatous perennial with large, rounded to kidney shaped green leaves splashed and streaked with cream and white. Dense clusters of greenish-white flowers are produced in late winter and early spring before the leaves emerge. Leaves can be up to 1m across, held on stalks up to 1.5m long.
About the genus
Petasites are perennial plants, usually large, with thick rhizomes or stems. Leaves are often very large and either heart-shaped or kidney-shaded. Scapes or stems many-headed, with any leaves usually reduced to scales. Flowers dioecious in usually rayless heads, purple or white, rarely yellowish, borne in panicles or racemes at the ends of the scapes
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeClay, Loam
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesBorders, containers, naturalising in grass.
Care notes
CultivationGrow in deep, fertile soil that is permanently moist but not stagnant, in partial or full shade. Spreads rapidly and has the potential to become a nuisance if left unchecked
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPlease see cultivation notes
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free