Petasites paradoxus

Sweet Coltsfoot Asteraceae

A rather remarkable butterbur, and one that has wisely chosen the mountains rather than the usual damp corner of the garden. Petasites paradoxus forms a handsome colony of large, triangular leaves, dark green above but strikingly white-felted beneath, emerging after the flowers have done their early-spring work. Before the foliage appears, stout reddish stems carry dense clusters of small, pleasantly scented, white to pale pink flowers. A plant of limestone screes, stream margins and unstable mountain slopes from the Pyrenees and Alps to the Dinaric mountains, it appreciates moist, humus-rich soil and plenty of room to spread. An excellent choice for the adventurous woodland or streamside garden. 

This is a non-invasive well behaved Petasites that also does well in drier conditions.

Height: 50–100cm
Spread: 50–100cm
Flowering: March–May
Hardiness: H6 (-20 to -15°C)