BUTTERBUR, FUKI
Petasites albus
SKU: 2079-025
Description
Very early spring blooming flowers are white, and are quite large and showy also. They emerge through the snow in very early spring, grow to about 2' tall, and are composed of many smaller flowers in a round ball that is 8-9" wide. Leaves begin to emerge from the ground after the plant is already in bloom.
Fuki are said to like moist soil. We have found them to be very tolerant of many conditions! The largest patch we grow is in mostly with dry, sandy soil. In this location, they do need some water in the heat of the summer, or they will droop. If you have a moist area, or an area with rich, deep soil, they will likely need little to no watering. Leaves seem to get the largest in shady locations.
Type: Hardy perennial
Height: 30-60cm
Location: part sun, or sun if planted in a moist location
Hardiness zones: 4-8
Germination: Start these seeds right away to preserve viability, no matter the time of year. Sow the seeds just under the surface of a sterile seed-start mix, and water in. Then cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 5-6 weeks. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold stratification period they are then brought back to room temperature for them to germinate. Germination is generally within 60 days after the warming period, though they could take a few months. If possible, the best location for sowing in March, April and May, is in cold frame or a cold greenhouse where they will receive the cold period and fluctuating temperatures naturally.
Description
Very early spring blooming flowers are white, and are quite large and showy also. They emerge through the snow in very early spring, grow to about 2' tall, and are composed of many smaller flowers in a round ball that is 8-9" wide. Leaves begin to emerge from the ground after the plant is already in bloom.
Fuki are said to like moist soil. We have found them to be very tolerant of many conditions! The largest patch we grow is in mostly with dry, sandy soil. In this location, they do need some water in the heat of the summer, or they will droop. If you have a moist area, or an area with rich, deep soil, they will likely need little to no watering. Leaves seem to get the largest in shady locations.
Type: Hardy perennial
Height: 30-60cm
Location: part sun, or sun if planted in a moist location
Hardiness zones: 4-8
Germination: Start these seeds right away to preserve viability, no matter the time of year. Sow the seeds just under the surface of a sterile seed-start mix, and water in. Then cover them with plastic and place in a fridge for 5-6 weeks. Be sure they stay moist. After the cold stratification period they are then brought back to room temperature for them to germinate. Germination is generally within 60 days after the warming period, though they could take a few months. If possible, the best location for sowing in March, April and May, is in cold frame or a cold greenhouse where they will receive the cold period and fluctuating temperatures naturally.
