Photo: Opioła JerzyCC BY 2.5via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
White Butterbur Plant Care
Petasites albus (L.) Gaertn.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its large, heart-shaped leaves that can reach up to 3 feet across, this plant originates from parts of Europe and Asia. Plant collectors are drawn to Petasites albus for its unique foliage and ability to add a tropical feel to any garden with its striking appearance.
Every 3–5 days
Partial shade to full shade
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for White Butterbur?
Water White Butterbur every 3–5 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it partial shade to full shade. It prefers temperatures of 50–75°F (10–24°C) and 60–80% humidity. Fertilize it every 6 months during the growing season. It is reported as toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of pets.
Where Is the White Butterbur Native To?
What Is the White Butterbur?
White Butterbur (Petasites albus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Petasites genus. White Butterbur is native to central Europe and the Caucasus. White Butterbur is also known as Petasites glabrescens, Petasites petasites, Petasites ramosus.
White Butterbur displays a large spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. White Butterbur produces large, showy pink or white flower clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a White Butterbur?
Petasites albus requires watering every 3–5 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 3–5 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the White Butterbur Need?
White Butterbur thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing White Butterbur in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Partial shade to full shade
100–500 lux
What Temperature and Humidity Does the White Butterbur Prefer?
Petasites albus grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. White Butterbur prefers humidity levels of 60–80%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
50–75°F
Humidity
60–80%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a White Butterbur?
Rich, moist soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for White Butterbur to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a White Butterbur?
Feed White Butterbur every 6 months during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every 6 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a White Butterbur?
Divide and repot every 2-3 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a White Butterbur?
White Butterbur can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to butterbur plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the White Butterbur Toxic to Pets and Children?
Toxic (caution)
Reported as toxic in our plant data. Not verified by the ASPCA.
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested
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 White Butterbur?
White Butterbur is susceptible to slugs, snails, powdery mildew. 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 White Butterbur Need?
White Butterbur grows outdoors in USDA Zone 4a – 8b. It survives winters down to planting zone 4a. White Butterbur is native to central Europe and the Caucasus.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 4a – 8b
Keep exploring plants
White Butterbur 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 Petasites genus — compare its care with other Petasites species on PlantoScan.
Petasites is part of the Asteraceae plant family — browse all Asteraceae genera and species.
White Butterbur copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Petasites albus (L.) Gaertn., family Asteraceae (first published in Fruct. Sem. Pl. ii. 406 (1791)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: White Butterbur is reported as toxic to pets in our plant data (not verified by the ASPCA), so treat it with caution. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Photo: Opioła Jerzy, CC BY 2.5, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 4a – 8b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- 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.
Identify Plants Like the
White Butterbur Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species