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Herbaceous Perennial

Petasites paradoxus

A rhizomatous perennial with large, dark green, broadly triangular leaves felted white on the back and greyish on the front when young. Stout, upright, dark pink flower stems appear in late winter as the leaves emerge, supporting a dense spike of tufted, scented, white or pale pink flowers

Synonyms
Petasites niveus
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Pink Pink White Green Grey Silver White
Summer Green Grey Silver White
Autumn Green Grey Silver White
Winter Pink Pink White
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or South–facing or West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
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

Name status

Correct

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. Not invasive

Propagation

Divide in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
  • Ground cover
  • Banks and slopes
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

Remove the old foliage before the onset of new growth in late winter

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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