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Petasites japonicus (Sweet coltsfoot)
1 hour care
per year
per year
1.2m
Max height
Max height
1.5m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Petasites japonicus
Other names
Sweet coltsfoot, Butterbur
Genus
Petasites Petasites
Species
P. japonicus - P. japonicus is a vigorously spreading perennial with whitish-yellow flowers that are borne in winter to early spring before the leaves. In spring very large, kidney-shaped, green leaves develop.
Petasites japonicus is: Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming
Flower
White, Pale-yellow in Spring; Pale-yellow, White in Winter
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 methods
Division, Seed
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Where to grow
Petasites japonicus (Sweet coltsfoot) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 1.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Bog garden, Cottage/Informal, Waterside, Woodland
Cultivation
Grow in constantly moist, humus-rich soil in full shade or partial shade.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy
Soil drainage
Boggy damp conditions, 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 japonicus
Other names
Sweet coltsfoot, Butterbur
Genus
Petasites Petasites
Species
P. japonicus - P. japonicus is a vigorously spreading perennial with whitish-yellow flowers that are borne in winter to early spring before the leaves. In spring very large, kidney-shaped, green leaves develop.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump-forming
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Colour
Flower
White, Pale-yellow in Spring; Pale-yellow, White in Winter
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 methods
Division, Seed
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Petasites japonicus (Sweet coltsfoot) will reach a height of 1.2m and a spread of 1.5m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Beds and borders, Bees (attract & feed bees), Bog garden, Cottage/Informal, Waterside, Woodland
Cultivation
Grow in constantly moist, humus-rich soil in full shade or partial shade.
Soil type
Clay, Loamy
Soil drainage
Boggy damp conditions, 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 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6, Zone 5
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Clay, Loamy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Boggy damp conditions, 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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