Photo: Ivar LeidusCC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commonsresized / cropped
Butterbur Plant Care
Petasites hybridus (L.) G.Gaertn., B.Mey. & Scherb.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
With its oversized, heart-shaped leaves, this plant hailing from Europe and Asia is a unique addition to any collection. Plant collectors are drawn to its striking foliage, which can grow up to 3 feet wide, making it a standout in any garden or indoor space.
Every 3–5 days
Partial shade to full shade
50–75°F
60–80%
At a glance
How do you care for Butterbur?
Water 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 Butterbur Native To?
- Albania
- Austria
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czechia
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- North Macedonia
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Russia
- Serbia
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
What Is the Butterbur?
Butterbur (Petasites hybridus) belongs to the Asteraceae family within the Petasites genus. Butterbur is native to Europe and northern Asia. Butterbur is also known as Sweet coltsfoot, Bog rhubarb, Pestilence wort.
Butterbur displays a large spreading perennial growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Butterbur produces large, showy pink or white flower clusters.
Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Butterbur?
Petasites hybridus 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 Butterbur Need?
Butterbur thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–500 lux. Avoid placing 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 Butterbur Prefer?
Petasites hybridus grows best at temperatures of 50–75°F. 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 Butterbur?
Rich, moist soil with good drainage. Good drainage is essential for Butterbur to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Butterbur?
Feed 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 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 Butterbur?
Butterbur can be propagated through division, rhizome cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to white butterbur plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the 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 Butterbur?
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 Butterbur Need?
Butterbur grows outdoors in USDA Zone 3a – 9b. It survives winters down to planting zone 3a. Butterbur is native to Europe and northern Asia.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 3a – 9b
Keep exploring plants
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.
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 hybridus (L.) G.Gaertn., B.Mey. & Scherb., family Asteraceae (first published in Oekon. Fl. Wetterau 3(2): 184 (1802)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: 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: Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 3a – 9b, 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.
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