My son planted Petasites next to a bog in our back yard about 15 years ago. Over time it has spread. Initially we enjoyed the growing s...Read Moreea of green but when it reached an area 15 x 25 or larger it suddenly started to invade grass and vegetable garden areas. It is not easy to dig. I've had to get after it this past fall with my tractor mounted backhoe taking up both valuable time and digging up lawn areas that will need to be re-landscaped. It's a great looking plant in shade areas but definitely be careful.
This plant is grown mainly for its dramatic, coarse, variegated foliage. The early spring flowers have novelty value but would be beneat...Read Moreh mention if they bloomed when more plants do.
This cultivar often reverts to solid green by somatic mutation. This species is dioecious, and most colonies are clones.
The big leaves rise late in spring and smother all competitors. They flag dispiritedly in sun in the hot part of the day, even in near-bog conditions, but they perk right up when it cools off.
This species spreads quickly and aggressively by a running rootstock that's hard to contain---it will easily escape a big container through the drainage holes. At Naumkeag in Stockbridge, MA, it has taken over many acres. At the Arnold Arboretum in Boston, its spread is limited by water and paving.
I wouldn't plant this even in a large garden, because it takes over and monopolizes such large areas so quickly.
This species has been reported to have naturalized in Ontario and the Pacific Northwest. I'm concerned about its invasiveness in natural wetlands.
Be ruthless in 'weeding out' the plants that revert to solid green.
Most times these are seedlings that don't come true. ...Read Morer />
They also can green up a bit.
Though w/ the right sun conditions that shouldn't happen very often.
I've found they do need a bit more sun than the plain green ones.
With them, as most of the larger Petasites, they will wilt or flag in the heat. Just water and wait.
By evening they pump right back up .... sometimes very comically.
You can actually see them rise and hear the foliage rustling.
This plant gets very large with each leaf growing up to 3' wide on a 4' high stalk. Protect from wind as leaves are thin and easily damag...Read Moreed. Will tolerate full sun in areas with cool summers. Keep constantly moist.
My son planted Petasites next to a bog in our back yard about 15 years ago. Over time it has spread. Initially we enjoyed the growing s...Read More
This plant is grown mainly for its dramatic, coarse, variegated foliage. The early spring flowers have novelty value but would be beneat...Read More
Be ruthless in 'weeding out' the plants that revert to solid green.
...Read More
Most times these are seedlings that don't come true.
This plant gets very large with each leaf growing up to 3' wide on a 4' high stalk. Protect from wind as leaves are thin and easily damag...Read More