Nardosmia nivalis Plant Care

Nardosmia nivalis (Greene) Jurtzev

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Petasites frigidus, the Arctic sweet coltsfoot or Arctic butterbur, is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is native to Arctic to cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in northern Europe, northern Asia and northern North America.

🌱Herbs🌼Perennials🌻Annuals
Water

Every 7–10 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

At a glance

How do you care for Nardosmia nivalis?

Plant Nardosmia nivalis in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 13a) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F (16–24°C). Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Nardosmia nivalis Native To?

Native range11 countries

What Is the Nardosmia nivalis?

Nardosmia nivalis (Nardosmia nivalis) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Nardosmia genus. Nardosmia nivalis is native to Arctic to cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in northern Europe, northern Asia and northern North America.

Nardosmia nivalis displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Nardosmia nivalis produces small daisy-like flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Nardosmia nivalis?

Water a young or newly planted Nardosmia nivalis every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–10 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Nardosmia nivalis Need?

Nardosmia nivalis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Nardosmia nivalis Prefer?

Nardosmia nivalis tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Nardosmia nivalis prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Temperature

60–75°F

Humidity

40–60%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Nardosmia nivalis?

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Nardosmia nivalis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Nardosmia nivalis?

Feed Nardosmia nivalis every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 6 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Nardosmia nivalis?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Nardosmia nivalis is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Nardosmia nivalis?

Nardosmia nivalis can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Nardosmia nivalis?

Prune Nardosmia nivalis while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

How Do You Care for a Nardosmia nivalis in Winter?

Nardosmia nivalis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Nardosmia nivalis?

Nardosmia nivalis can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps.

Is the Nardosmia nivalis Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Nardosmia nivalis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Nardosmia nivalis?

Nardosmia nivalis is susceptible to aphids, whiteflies, spider mites. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Nardosmia nivalis Need?

Nardosmia nivalis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Nardosmia nivalis is native to Arctic to cool temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere in northern Europe, northern Asia and northern North America. In cooler regions, grow Nardosmia nivalis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 13a

Keep exploring plants

Nardosmia nivalis is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Nardosmia genus (family Asteraceae) — search all Nardosmia species in the plant lookup.

Nardosmia nivalis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

Related Plant Care Guides

Closely related plants with similar care requirements:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Nardosmia nivalis (Greene) Jurtzev, family Asteraceae (first published in Sosud. Rast. SSSR : 85 (1995)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Nardosmia nivalis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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