Quackin Grass Nursery

Petasites japonicus 'Purpureus' - ​The bold foliage on this unusual color form emerges dusky dark purple, hence its common moniker, the Purple Butterbur. It does become increasingly infused with green as the large rounded peltate foliage matures to a dark matte finish but retains purple coloration in the veins and stems. It is very beautiful upon emerging and in this context could be a wonderful color and textural contrast plant at this stage. Unlike the straight species and the dwarf and variegated form (whose description follows), 'Purpureus' increases with alleged less haste but be warned: it will move just taking a bit longer to get there. Curious flowers, like large weird domed purple and chartreuse cabbages composed of evenly spaced white "brushes", emerge in late winter to very early spring before the foliage arises - Fairy? Martian?? Angry Fairies from the Red Planet??? Site 'Purpureus' in dappled to open shade or morning sun planted in moisture retaining soil. We believe that this plant will languish in the heat of the south. Though we do not know where this variant was found the species originates in China, Japan and Korea. Established potted Butterbur propagated by division. If you purchase during our fall shipping period Petasites japonicus 'Purpureus' will arrive cut back and dormant.