Petasites

As promised, a post on Petasites. These large perennials are commonly called Butterburrs. They are related to our early spring wildflower, Coltsfoot and some have leaves that resemble it. These are hardy in zones 5-9 (can't imagine how early they bloom in zone 9 if they can bloom in late February here) and like partial shade, especially in the afternoon and a moist place. They spread by underground runners to make a colony over the years.
This first one is Petasites palmatus 'Golden Palms'. We had a bit of trouble finding this one a few years ago when we discovered it. It doesn't seem to be available too many places. This one is growing in total shade. The spot is bright, not depressingly dark, but it gets no direct sun. It is also a bit wet there in the spring as it is planted near a seep. It seems to thrive in these conditions. The leaves are quite golden when they first come out in the spring, but turn more chartreuse as time goes on.
This next one is the first one we got and is Petasites japonicum (some say japonicus) 'Variegatum'. We have this one growing in both part shade/part sun and in shadier spots. It is taller in the shade and wilts horribly in the sunnier spot (It was under a pear tree, but the tree died and now it has only morning shade). This one is pretty popular. Don't plant it in a space where it need to stay in a tiny spot. It likes to spread out. In too much shade it will occasionally revert to an all green form. A bit of sun, though better in the morning than afternoon, will give you more and better variegation.

I hope you can see the wonderful burgundy colored undersides of these leaves on Petasites japonicum 'Purpurea'. The tops of the leaves are a darker green than on Variegatum, maybe because of the dark undersides, and the leaves have more of a serrated edge. These seem to take a bit more sun and we even have a patch of them growing in a full sun, dry spot. They are considerably smaller than those in dampness and shade, but do well anyway.

These are the big guys, Petasites japonicum 'Gigantea'. The leaves on this can be 3 feet across with no trouble. It is also taller, probably at least 3 feet tall, sometimes more and have a much thicker petiole on the leaves. More moisture gives you the biggest plants, though I don't think it wants to have really wet feet all of the time. Definitely a fun plant for kids since they can sit under it.

This last grows in dappled shade and is Petasites japonicum 'Hybridus'. Not a very original name I don't think. The leaves are more kidney shaped and have a heavier texture than Gigantea. They are almost, but not quite, as big, though they are easily as tall. This one is doing well at the edge of the bog and definitely gets pretty wet feet for a good bit of the season most years. It is dry in the summer, but that doesn't seem to bother it.

If you aren't already growing any of the Petasites and have a garden with space and a damp spot, I would definitely recommend them as they are pretty carefree perennials. They aren't eaten (at least so far) by rabbits or deer and I've never seen them get any insect or other pests. I know there are more species out there and I'll be adding some of them as I find them.

In the continuing turtle saga - yesterday we walked to Lake Amanda after we finished weeding out the vegatable garden to plant the onion sets. I saw a turtle tail sticking out from under some foliage. It wasn't the same turtle, but a smaller one. Now I know there are two turtles in there, probably Mr. and Mrs. Turtle. Not a good thing. They won't be doing much until the weather warms up, but I definitely don't need two snapping turtles in my pond where I need to get in to take care of the plants. They eat plants and also fish, frogs, tadpoles - pretty much anything that I want to have living in mu pond. I'll keep you updated on the progess in convincing them to live elsewhere.

Jane