Petasites japonica
Giant Japanese Butterbur
Few plants attract as much attention in our garden as Petasites does. It has enormous rounded leaves that reach 70 cms across. It thrives in a shady corner of our border but will really take off in a boggy site. It is an aggressive grower spreading by underground runners. Interesting blooms appear on naked stems just as the snow melts.
- Height: 102 - 152 cm (40 - 60 in)
- Spread: 102 - 203 cm (40 - 80 in)
- Cold Hardiness: Zone 4
- Sun or Shade: partial shade to filtered shade
- Bloom Time: early spring
- Leaf Colour: green
- Bloom Colour: green
- Critter Resistance: deer
- Nature Attraction: bees
Growing and Maintenance Tips
Petasites is an easy plant to grow in a wide range of soils as long as there is lots of moisture. This plant is an aggressive spreader and difficult to remove once it gets going so it is best confined to a large tub or childrens wading pool that is sunk into the ground. It does not mind wet feet so this works well.
