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Petasites hybridus (Butterbur)
1 hour care
per year
per year
1m
Max height
Max height
3m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Petasites hybridus
Other names
Butterbur, Bog rhubarb, Devil's hat, Pestilence wart, Batter dock, Butter dock, Cleats, Cleets, Flea dock, Gallon, Oxwort, Pestilence wort, Poison rhubarb, Son-before-the-father, Umbrella leaf, Water docken
Genus
Petasites Petasites
Species
P. hybridus - P. hybridus is a vigorous, clump-forming, rhizomatous, deciduous perennial with rounded to kidney-shaped, veined, mid-green leaves and, in spring, erect stems bearing racemes of clustered, pink flowers before the leaves emerge.
Petasites hybridus is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Erect flower stem
Flower
Pale-pink in Spring
Foliage
Bright-green in Spring; Bright-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Diseases
Generally disease free.
General care
Propagation
Male and female plants must be grown together if seed is desired. Division can happen at any time of year. Sow seed as soon as ripe or in spring.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
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Where to grow
Petasites hybridus (Butterbur) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 3m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Woodland, Waterside, Naturalised in turf, Bees (attract & feed bees), Architectural
Cultivation
Grow in consistently moist, humus-rich soil in full or partial shade. Does not tolerate stagnant soil. Tolerates sun. Highly invasive and the large leaves prevent other plants from growing nearby.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy
Soil drainage
Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Aspect
North, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Petasites hybridus
Other names
Butterbur, Bog rhubarb, Devil's hat, Pestilence wart, Batter dock, Butter dock, Cleats, Cleets, Flea dock, Gallon, Oxwort, Pestilence wort, Poison rhubarb, Son-before-the-father, Umbrella leaf, Water docken
Genus
Petasites Petasites
Species
P. hybridus - P. hybridus is a vigorous, clump-forming, rhizomatous, deciduous perennial with rounded to kidney-shaped, veined, mid-green leaves and, in spring, erect stems bearing racemes of clustered, pink flowers before the leaves emerge.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming, Erect flower stem
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Colour
Flower
Pale-pink in Spring
Foliage
Bright-green in Spring; Bright-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
Generally pest free.
Diseases
Generally disease free.
General care
Propagation
Male and female plants must be grown together if seed is desired. Division can happen at any time of year. Sow seed as soon as ripe or in spring.
Propagation methods
Division, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Petasites hybridus (Butterbur) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 3m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Woodland, Waterside, Naturalised in turf, Bees (attract & feed bees), Architectural
Cultivation
Grow in consistently moist, humus-rich soil in full or partial shade. Does not tolerate stagnant soil. Tolerates sun. Highly invasive and the large leaves prevent other plants from growing nearby.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy
Soil drainage
Moisture-retentive
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Aspect
North, East, West
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5, Zone 4
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Petasites hybridus (Butterbur)
Petasites hybridus (Butterbur)
Petasites hybridus (Butterbur)
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Clay, Loamy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moisture-retentive | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Shade | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Exposed, Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
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