Winter Heliotrope
Petasites fragrans
Also known as
fragrant colt's foot
Winter heliotrope (petasites fragrans) - geograph.org.uk - 657074 by pam fray (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Full Sun
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
9a
USDA zone
-7°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
---|---|---|
1m | Max | 1.5m |
50cm | Min | 1m |
3 years to reach maturity
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter


More images of Winter Heliotrope
Winter Heliotrope Overview
Petasites fragrans is a herbaceous perennial species in the daisy family, Asteraceae. Commonly known by the name Winter Heliotrope, this species has both medicinal and ornamental uses. It has a spreading, bushy habit and grows through the use of underground rhizomes. Foliage is lush and green, leaves are shaped like kidneys and abundant clusters of vanilla-scented blooms appear from mid-winter to early spring. The flowers are starrry and coloured white and pale purple, they appear before the leaves and are popular as an early nectar source for wildlife. This species is part of the Royal Horticultural Society “Plants for Pollinators” initiative to showcase plants which support pollinator populations by providing ample amounts of nectar and/ or pollen. A great choice for encouraging pollinating insect wildlife into your garden!
How to propagate Winter Heliotrope
Division
Divide in spring.