Description of Petasites Japonicus 'Variegatus' (Variegated Japanese Butterbur)

Petasites japonicus 'Variegatus' is variegated Japanese butterbur, grown for huge leaves with cream markings. It brings instant coverage in damp ground and works well as a bold backdrop in wet gardens.

Appearance

It produces thick stems topped with big rounded leaves. Leaves often show cream variegation and can reach 60cm or more across in rich wet soil. Flower spikes may appear in spring before leaves fully expand.

Care Guide

It loves moisture and it spreads by rhizomes. In garden bogs, containment is usually the best approach.

• Sun: Part shade is easiest. Full sun is fine if soil stays wet.
• Soil: Rich, damp soil with organic matter.
• Water: Keep consistently wet, especially in summer.
• Control: Plant in a large solid tub sunk into the bog to stop rhizomes running.
• Cut back: Remove tatty leaves through summer and tidy down in late autumn or late winter.

A spring mulch of compost helps keep leaves big and variegation clear.

Suitability for Bog Garden

This suits bog gardens as a bold background plant, especially for hiding edges and creating shade. It pairs well with irises and lobelias in front.

In small bog gardens it can dominate, so treat it as a contained specimen rather than a free-ranging plant.

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