<em>Ligularia</em>, leopard plant: to plant, to grow and to care for

Botany

Ligularia are herbaceous perennial plants, comprising around 150 species, originating mainly from eastern and central Asia. Many occur in China, as well as Japan and Siberia. They grow there on wet, marshy soils, at edges of watercourses, and in wooded areas. A few species grow in Europe. In France, in the wild, only Ligularia sibirica is found, mainly in Massif Central.

Ligularia belong to large family Asteraceae, like daisies, oxeye daisies, sunflowers and asters. These plants have the particularity of bearing flowers gathered in heads! What appears to be a single flower is actually a multitude of tiny, reduced flowers, generally tubular florets in centre and ligulate florets on outside. Asteraceae correspond to former family Compositae.

Genus Farfugium (for example Farfugium japonicum) is very close to Ligularia! These perennials also bear large rounded leaves and yellow flower heads. Ligularia are also close to senecios (Ligularia tangutica is synonym of Senecio tangutica).

Ligularia comes from Latin ligula: ligule, referring to shape of small outer flowers of head, thin and elongated.

Ligularia stenocephala: botanical illustration

Ligularia are large plants that can reach up to 2 m tall! They form wide clumps, but can take several years, generally three years, to reach full development and truly bulk up.

Ligularia flower from July through to September–October.

They then produce a flowering in heads, as with oxeye daisies, daisies or asters! A head looks like a single flower but actually groups a profusion of tiny rudimentary flowers. Central florets are tubular (tube-shaped), outer florets are ligulate.

Flowers are yellow, sometimes orange. They bring brightness to the garden — especially as they are mainly planted in woodland, shady areas…! Head centres are yellow or brown, usually darker than outer florets.

Flowers are often borne on darker stems. These can be black, very dark (as in Ligularia stenocephala ‘The Rocket’), which offers a superb contrast and adds graphic impact!

In summer, Ligularia inflorescences rise above foliage. They can take two very different forms, depending on variety! Thus, they can be very airy, with erect, long and fine clusters, grouping countless small flowers (as in Ligularia przewalskii), giving a rather vapourous aspect. Flowering can also be compact and low, offering a few large heads held close to foliage (Ligularia dentata). In that case, flowers are gathered not in clusters but in flattened bouquets (corymbs).

Ligularia are melliferous, appreciated by bees and butterflies.

Flowering of Ligularia dentata (photo Krzysztof Ziarnek) / Detail of a head of Ligularia dentata (photo Bff) / Erect, fine clustered inflorescences of Ligularia przewalskii (photo Kor!An)

Ligularia produce an impressive foliage, which is decorative even in absence of flowers! Foliage is generous, ample, very large, and can measure up to 35 cm in length. Leaves are fairly rounded, generally cordate at base (heart-shaped). They can also be palmate. Veins are strongly marked, giving leaf a more or less puckered aspect. Lamina edge is generally dentate, more or less deeply.

Because Ligularia have dense, ample foliage, weeds struggle to grow… which limits weeding!

Foliage is massive, imposing… except for some species, which offer deeply divided leaves, like Ligularia tangutica!

Leaves are borne on a long petiole, generally darker than lamina.

Ligularia have large basal leaves, cordate or triangular, often dentate; and cauline leaves (inserted on stems), smaller. These are alternate, placed one after another. They become progressively smaller towards top of stems.

Leaves are often dark green, but can also be purple, with various tones. Variety ‘Pandora’ appears to have darkest foliage, almost black-purple. When foliage is dark, this creates a remarkable contrast with golden-yellow flowering, perfectly highlighting it! Leaf colour can also change over time. It is quite common for leaves to be first purplish, then turn green later. In Ligularia dentata ‘Desdemona’, leaves become green on upper surface but remain purple beneath.

Foliage of Ligularia is deciduous. It disappears in autumn and reappears in spring.

Foliage of Ligularia stenocephala (photo Salicyna) / Underside of a leaf of Ligularia dentata ‘Desdemona’ (photo Bff) / Divided foliage of Ligularia przewalskii (photo Salicyna)

Ligularia have deep roots, which allow them to draw water from deep in soil.

Fruits are elongated dark achenes, topped by a small egret. Whole fruiting forms little plume-like spheres, as in dandelion. Seeds are blown by wind, enabling plant to disperse and colonise elsewhere. You can harvest them, but sowing is fairly tricky to succeed.

Fruits (achenes) of Ligularia dentata (photo Σ64)

Main Ligularia varieties

Most popular varieties

Our favourite varieties

Other varieties to discover

Ligularia stenocephala The Rocket - Leopard Plant

This variety produces elongated spikes bearing a multitude of yellow flowers, carried on black stems. Leaves are dark green and strongly dentate. It is one of the varieties that bears the longest floral spikes. It received the Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 1,80 m

See the product sheet

Ligularia dentata Britt-Marie Crawford - Leopard Plant

This Ligularia offers purplish, rounded leaves, cordate at the base, and delicately dentate along the lamina margin. It bears large heads that open in flattened corymbs. It was awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the product sheet

Ligularia przewalskii - Leopard Plant

This Ligularia produces in summer superb long, thin spikes that gather numerous small yellow flowers. It also has attractive green leaves, deeply dissected.

• Flowering time July, August
• Height at maturity 70 cm

See the product sheet

 

Ligularia dentata Desdemona - Leopard Plant

This variety produces large heads of yellow flowers, borne on purple stems. Leaves are dark green on upper surface and dark purple beneath. They are broad, reniform, and slightly dentate along the lamina margin.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the product sheet

Ligularia Gregynog Gold - Leopard Plant

This Ligularia has superb green, cordate leaves, and long erect spikes bearing flowers of a beautiful golden yellow. It was awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

• Flowering time September to November
• Height at maturity 1,80 m

See the product sheet

Ligularia Osiris Cafe Noir - Leopard Plant

This variety has very dark, purplish leaves with a deeply dentate lamina. Their dark colour nicely sets off the flowering in bright yellow heads! These are large and gathered in clusters just above the leaves.

• Flowering time August, September
• Height at maturity 50 cm

See the product sheet

 

Ligularia stenocephala - Leopard Plant

This Ligularia bears long erect spikes that gather a large number of small yellow flowers. Leaves have a triangular outline and are deeply dentate.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 1,80 m

See the product sheet

Ligularia dentata - Leopard Plant

This species offers large heads of orange-yellow flowers, gathered in clusters and borne on dark, purplish stems. These heads are beautifully set off by reniform leaves ranging from dark green to purple.

• Flowering time August to November
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Ligularia wilsoniana - Leopard Plant

This species produces in summer large erect spikes, long and thin, made up of numerous yellow flowers. Leaves are dark green and dentate.

• Flowering time August to October
• Height at maturity 2 m

See the product sheet

Planting

Where to plant?

Ligularia is an understorey plant that thrives in partial shade or shade. It does tolerate sun provided soil stays cool… But avoid scorching sun, which can damage foliage. In any case, the more Ligularia are in sun, the more frequent watering they will need! Conversely, in overly dense shade flowering may be less generous, and varieties with purple foliage may tend to revert to a dark green tone…

Ligularia thrives in cool, even moist soils. Ideal is soil that does not dry out in summer. Perfect for planting around ponds and streams, alongside other waterside plants!

Plant Ligularia preferably sheltered from wind. As these are fairly tall plants, strong winds could break stems!

Unlike many plants, Ligularia grows well in heavy, clay soils. It also likes ground rich in organic matter and deep. We recommend adding some well-rotted compost. Ideal is a forest-type soil, as found in understorey: rich, cool, humus-bearing, deep…!

Ligularia spreads, so allow plenty of room around each plant. Also, as a large perennial that prefers cool, deep soils, it is not suitable for container cultivation.

When to plant?

You can plant Ligularia in autumn (September–October), or in spring, around April.

How to plant?

Ligularia are imposing, fairly large perennials. To allow good development, keep at least 60 cm between plants, up to 1 m.

1. Dig a hole wide and deep enough.
2. We recommend adding a little well-rotted compost to enrich soil.
3. Then remove the plant from its pot and place it in the planting hole.
4. Backfill with soil around it.
5. Firm soil to ensure good contact between soil and roots and avoid air pockets.
6. Water generously.

We suggest then applying mulch at its base, made of BRF (ramial chipped wood) or dead leaves.

Continue to water regularly after planting until plant is established.

Ligularia dentata (photo Alpsdake)

Care

If Ligularias have been planted in a location that suits them (for example in cool soil, in dappled shade…), they will require very little maintenance.

We recommend adding well‑rotted compost. You can work it into soil with a light surface raking. Also consider applying a layer of mulch about 5 cm thick to help keep soil cool. Ligularia needs soil to remain cool or even moist… Do not hesitate to water during dry spells!

You can divide clumps from time to time (about every three years) to rejuvenate them. Likewise, for aesthetic reasons and to relieve the plant, after flowering you can remove faded flower stems. Taller young plants may also need staking if exposed to wind.

Ligularia is a hardy, robust plant and not particularly prone to disease. Its main enemies are gastropods: slugs and snails like to nibble young leaves and shoots while still tender.

Under heat and sun the plant may wilt during the day… But generally it will recover by evening as soon as cool conditions return. Otherwise, do not hesitate to water it a little. Foliage can also be sun‑scorched if the plant is placed in too sunny a spot.

Multiplication: division

Ligularia are best propagated by division, which is easier and quicker than sowing.

Dividing clumps

Division of Ligularia is best carried out in early spring or in autumn (after flowering). We recommend doing this every three years. Besides allowing you to obtain new young plants, division has the advantage of rejuvenating clumps and encouraging growth. Avoid carrying out work on a very hot day.

1. Lift a clump, keeping as many roots as possible.
2. Remove excess soil to make the root system clearly visible.
3. Divide the clump into several pieces, using a knife if necessary. Make sure each piece has roots.
4. Replant them immediately in a new location, after preparing the ground.
5. Water generously.

Companion planting for ligularias in the garden

As ligularias appreciate rather moist soils, they are perfect on pond edges! You can plant them with luxuriant foliage of ferns and Gunneras, pair them with yellow flowering of Iris pseudacorus, or with pink spikes of loosestrifes… You can also add Japanese irises and Asian primroses! Also feel free to pair them with Lysimachia, whose flowering is quite similar and which also appreciate fresh soils.

Ligularias are ideal in woodland gardens! Place them alongside other plants such as hostas, Tricyrtis, brunneras, or Geranium nodosum, not forgetting of course the ferns. To bring a touch of colour, you can add foxgloves. You will achieve a cool, shady, very natural feel!

Discover our collection of shade-loving perennials and 5 ideas for pairing with ligularias

Ligularias can be part of a very natural scene, for example at pond edge in partial shade. Here, Gunnera manicata (photo Tom Oates), Matteuccia struthiopteris (photo Chmee2), Ligularia przewalskii (photo Kor!An), Filipendula ulmaria (photo Algirdas) and Lysimachia punctata (photo AfroBrazilian)

Feel free to pair ligularias with other decorative foliage, for a beautiful shady scene: heucheras, ferns, rodgersia, Hakonechloa, lady’s mantle, Persicaria ‘Red Dragon’… You will obtain a garden with a luxuriant aspect! Ligularias marry perfectly with variegated foliage of hostas! You can also pair them with Carex (for example, Carex morrowii or Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’…). Among ferns, we recommend Osmundas and Matteuccia struthiopteris, majestic and impressive in appearance. Moreover, because ligularias have very large, substantial leaves, they can create a beautiful contrast of form with lighter, finely divided fronds of ferns!

You can also include ligularias in a mixed border, or at the edge, with other summer-flowering perennials: daylilies, rudbeckias, astilbes, platycodons, campanulas… If there is enough sun, add some grasses, such as pennisetums, to lighten the bed and introduce movement. Also discover Veronicastrum, with superb upright flower spikes, very architectural. If your bed gets more or less sun, consider watering occasionally if needed.

Finally, because ligularia is an imposing, tall, clump-forming plant, it can also be grown as a specimen, which really showcases it.

Ligularia dentata ‘Britt Marie Crawford’, Lobelia speciosa ‘Tania’ and Persicaria ‘Red Dragon’