Petasites japonicus ( Japanese Coltsfoot )

Perennial with giant leaves. Grows best at water’s edge. The stalks are eaten in Japan, where it is known as fuki. Fragrant white daisy-like flowers grow on spikes in winter, before the leaves grow. Leaves are green, and grow up to four feet wide. Can become invasive.


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Characteristics

Cultivar: n/a  
Family: Asteraceae  
Size: Height: 0 ft. to 6 ft.
Width: 0 ft. to 8 ft.  
Plant Category: aquatic plants, edibles, herbs, perennials, vegetables,  
Plant Characteristics:  
Foliage Characteristics: coarse leaves, deciduous,  
Flower Characteristics:  
Flower Color: whites,  
Tolerances:  


Requirements


Bloomtime Range: Mid Winter to Late Winter  
USDA Hardiness Zone: 4 to 10  
AHS Heat Zone: Not defined for this plant  
Light Range: Deep Shade to Part Sun  
pH Range: Not defined for this plant  
Soil Range: Sand to Loam  
Water Range: Moist to Wet  





Plant Care

Fertilizing

Light

Conditions : Shade

Though there are varying degrees of shade, this definition refers to a dense shade that is often found beneath lower tree limbs or on the north side of the house. Some sun is received, but usually in the morning hours. Because the afternoon sun is stronger, plants that require shelter from the afternoon sun are usually categorized as shade loving.

Watering

Conditions : Boggy

Boggy is defined as an area that is poorly drained, having standing water at least 9 months out of the year.

Conditions : Wet

Wet is defined as year-round standing water, such as a concave area of the ground or pond.

Planting

How-to : Planting Perennials

Determine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sun and shade through the day, exposure, water requirements, climate, soil makeup, seasonal color desired, and position of other garden plants and trees.

The best times to plant are spring and fall, when soil is workable and out of danger of frost. Fall plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to compete with developing top growth as in the spring. Spring is more desirable for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas, allowing full establishment before first winter. Planting in summer or winter is not advisable for most plants, unless planting a more established sized plant.

To plant container-grown plants: Prepare planting holes with appropriate depth and space between. Water the plant thoroughly and let the excess water drain before carefully removing from the container. Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole, working soil around the roots as you fill. If the plant is extremely root bound, separate roots with fingers. A few slits made with a pocket knife are okay, but should be kept to a minimum. Continue filling in soil and water thoroughly, protecting from direct sun until stable.

To plant bare-root plants: Plant as soon as possible after purchase. Prepare suitable planting holes, spread roots and work soil among roots as you fill in. Water well and protect from direct sun until stable.

To plant seedlings: A number of perennials produce self-sown seedlings that can be transplanted. You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting. Prepare suitable planting holes, spacing appropriately for plant development. Gently lift the seedling and as much surrounding soil as possible with your garden trowel, and replant it immediately, firming soil with fingertips and water well. Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable.

Problems

Miscellaneous

Edibles : Edible Landscape

An edible landscape is one in which all or most of the plants can be eaten or used for cooking in some way. If you are interested in edible gardening, it is highly recommended that you pratice organic methods in the garden. At the very least, do not use chemicals in the area of the garden where there are edibles. Be creative. Many edibles look great in containers, hanging baskets, or even as foundation plants.

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