Petasites hybridus

Petasites hybridus is a very tropical looking plant though it is hardy to zone 3 and will not survive in zones 9 or higher. The foliage is very large usually 1 to 2 feet wide and 1 to 2 feet long in a spade shape. The foliage is also very coarse to the touch and the veins in the leaves are purple. The petioles are very ornamental as well being striped purple and white. The white to light pink flowers are tall 1 foot tall and are seen very early in spring often while snow is still on the ground. This plant can be weedy in wet soil and should be given plenty of room to spread and run. It can be grown as a aquatic plant for shade to part shaded ponds. Full sun may cause leaf burn. Foliage: Large spade shaped leaves Flowers: flowers in clusters held 1 foot or more in spring Height: 7 to 8 feet

Blooms: Late winter, red bracts, white flowers. Large triangular foliage emerges early spring. Plant among other large foliage plants for a lush effect. Zone 6-9. 2'-6', Europe, part shade, moist, humus rich

Another of the big petasites. This one seems to like partial shade and a damp spot. The leaves are more kidney shaped and the flowers are pink and more egg shaped (think ostrich egg) rather than round, and they then elongate into what you see in the photo before turning into dandelion-like puffs.