Petasites japonica var. giganteus
Giant butterbur, Fuki, Japanese butterbur
Also known as Petasites giganteus
- Height × spread
- 2m × 5m
- Position
- All conditions
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Flowers
- Spring
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
Very occasionally a garden centre will sell this plant when it isn't in flower. The flower-head, appearing in spring from seemingly empty earth, is a treasure. Each one is held in an individual posy of leaf-like bracts that are closely whorled around the central stalk. At the centre, a ring of innocent flowers strain upwards. The real leaves come later. These are round and may be 1.5m (5ft) across, carried on 2m (7ft) high stems.
- Flower colour
- White
- Foliage colour
- Green
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 2m
- Spread
- 5m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer
- Flowers in
- Spring
- Evergreen
- Deciduous
- Sun or shade
- All conditions
- Soil type
- All types
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Damp and wet soil
- Hardiness
- Very cold to -20C (RHS H6)
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Ground cover, Bee attraction
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water frequently to keep the soil moist
The plant thrives in moist or boggy soil, doesn't tolerate dryness and should be watered frequently, not only after a period of drought, but if the soil begins to dry out spring to autumn. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.
Spring - early-mid · Planting
Divide when too large
The plant can be divided if it becomes too large or another plant is required. This may involve physically dividing the clump in two, removing offsets or small bulbs or dividing rhizomes. The new plants can be grown in pots or planted in the ground.