Petasites paradoxus
P. paradoxus is 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
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| 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
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to the UK
- 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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