Description
Petasites japonicus var. giganteus 'Variegatus' (also sold as 'Nishiki-buki'), known as variegated Japanese butterbur, is a bold foliage plant for large, damp gardens. Its rounded to kidney-shaped leaves, up to 1 m across, are splashed and streaked with cream and white. Dense clusters of greenish-white flowers appear in late winter and early spring, before the leaves.
Variegated Japanese butterbur at a glance
| Botanical name |
Petasites japonicus var. giganteus 'Variegatus' (syn. 'Nishiki-buki') |
| Common name |
Variegated Japanese butterbur |
| Plant type |
Large, spreading perennial; dies back in winter |
| Height and spread |
About 1–1.5 m tall; spreads 1–1.5 m or more |
| Flowers |
Greenish-white, in dense clusters before the leaves, February to April |
| Position |
Part shade or shade, sheltered |
| Soil |
Permanently moist but not stagnant clay or loam; any pH |
| Pond depth |
None – moist soil, not water |
| Hardiness |
RHS H6 – hardy in a very cold winter (-20 to -15°C) |
| Native to |
Not UK native |
Is butterbur a pond plant?
No. It is a bog and moist-soil plant, not a water plant. Plant it in permanently moist soil beside a pond or stream, not in the water.
Does butterbur spread?
Yes, rapidly. The RHS says it spreads by underground stems and can become a nuisance if left unchecked, and gives the species a spread of 4–8 m. Plant it only where it has room or can be contained, and never near natural watercourses or wild habitats.
Where to plant it
- Large bog gardens with permanently moist soil
- A sheltered, east- or north-facing site in part shade or shade
- Only where its roots can be contained
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
