ID for this please.

[LynM]

I saw these pink flowers on the east side of the Isle of Portland yesterday. They are on limestone and were slightly sheltered, but look as though they are new flowers. Suggestions as to what they are please.

[davidbr]

It's Winter Heliotrope, Petasites fragrans

Originally a garden escape, it can form quite large patches if left undisturbed.

[LynM]

Thanks, Dave, yes it was quite a large patch.

[KeenTeen17]

Originally Posted by LynM

Thanks, Dave, yes it was quite a large patch.

Very good find indeed. The patch near me has been devastated by the cold

[LynM]

It was in a very sheltered part of the cliffs and Portland is one of the warmest parts of the county and, surprisingly, usually the driest. I was pleased to see it as it made for a little bit of colour in a rather drab area at this time of year.

[clb100]

The flowers in the photos are male. This plant is dioecious and only male flowers are found in the UK.

[pleb]

Unfortunately, Winter Heliotrope can become a pest. It does indeed form large patches and often out-competes everything else that is growing nearby. Although the flowers are a welcome sight in the middle of winter, this plant is yet another garden escape that has out-lived its welcome.

Phil