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

Botany

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

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

The genus Farfugium (for example Farfugium japonicum) is very close to Ligularia. These perennials also bear large, rounded leaves and heads of yellow flowers. Ligularia are also close to senecios (Ligularia tangutica is a synonym of Senecio tangutica).

Ligularia comes from Latin ligula: ligule, referring to the shape of the small outer florets of the head, narrow and elongated.

Ligularia stenocephala: botanical illustration

Ligularia are large plants that can reach up to 2 m in height! They form broad clumps but can take several years, generally three years, to reach full development and really expand.

Flowering takes place from July through to September–October.

They then offer a flowering in heads, as in daisies, oxeye daisies or asters! A head looks like a single flower but actually groups a profusion of tiny, rudimentary flowers. Flowers at the centre are tubular, those on the outside are ligulate.

Flowers are yellow, sometimes orange. They bring brightness to the garden — all the more so because they are mainly planted in woodland, in shaded areas. Centre of heads is yellow or brown, generally darker than outer florets.

Flowers are often carried on darker stems. These can be black or very dark (as in Ligularia stenocephala ‘The Rocket’), creating a superb contrast and adding graphic interest!

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

Ligularia are melliferous, much appreciated by bees and butterflies.

Flowering of Ligularia dentata (photo Krzysztof Ziarnek) / Detail of a head of Ligularia dentata (photo Bff) / Erect, slender flower clusters of Ligularia przewalskii (photo Kor!An)

Ligularia offer impressive foliage, which is decorative even without flowers! Foliage is generous, ample, very large, and can measure up to 35 cm in length. Leaves are fairly rounded and generally cordate at the base (heart-shaped). They can also be palmate. Veins are strongly marked, giving the leaf a more or less puckered aspect. Edge of the lamina is generally dentate, more or less deeply.

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

Foliage is massive, imposing… except for some species that offer deeply divided leaves, such as Ligularia tangutica!

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

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

Leaves are often dark green but can also be purple, with varying shades. Variety ‘Pandora’ seems to have the darkest foliage, almost black purple. When foliage is dark, it offers a striking contrast with golden-yellow flowering, highlighting it perfectly! Leaf colour can also change over time. It is quite common for leaves to be purple at first, then turn green later. In Ligularia dentata ‘Desdemona’, leaves become green on the upper surface but remain purple on the underside.

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, allowing them to seek water far down in the soil.

Fruits are elongated, dark achenes, topped by a small egret. The whole fruiting forms small, fluffy spheres, like a dandelion. Seeds are carried by the wind, enabling the plant to disperse and establish elsewhere. You can harvest them, but sowing is quite tricky to succeed.

Fruits (achenes) of Ligularia dentata (photo Σ64)

Main varieties of Ligularia

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 on black stems. Leaves are dark green and strongly dentate. It is one of the varieties that bears the longest flowering spikes. Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticulture 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 has purple, rounded leaves that are cordate at the base and delicately dentate along the lamina margin. It bears large heads that open in flattened corymbs. Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticulture Society (RHS).

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

See the product sheet

Ligularia przewalskii - Leopard Plant

This Ligularia produces superb long, slender spikes in summer, bearing numerous small yellow flowers. It also has attractive green foliage, deeply divided.

• 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 above and deep 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 features superb green foliage, cordate, and long erect spikes bearing flowers of a beautiful golden-yellow. Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticulture 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 lamina that is deeply dentate. Their dark colour beautifully sets off the bright yellow flowering heads. These are large and gathered in clusters just above the foliage.

• 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 produces large orange-yellow heads of flowers, grouped in clusters and carried on dark purplish stems. These heads are beautifully set off by reniform foliage 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, long, slender erect spikes composed 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 a woodland plant that will thrive in partial shade or shade. It will tolerate sun provided the soil remains cool… But avoid scorching sun, which can damage the foliage. In any case, the more Ligularia plants are in sun, the more they will need frequent watering! Conversely, under overly dense shade, flowering may be less abundant, and varieties with purple foliage may tend to revert to a dark green hue…

Ligularia thrives in cool, even moist soils. Ideally soil should not dry out in summer. It is perfect for dressing pond edges and watercourses, together with other marginal plants!

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

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

Ligularia is a plant that spreads, so allow sufficient space around it. Moreover, as it is a large perennial that prefers cool, deep soils, it is not suitable for container growing.

When to plant?

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

How to plant?

Ligularia are imposing perennials, fairly large. To allow them to develop well, leave at least 60 cm between two plants, or up to 1 m.

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

We suggest then applying a mulch around its base, made of RCW (ramial chipped wood) or dead leaves.

Continue to water regularly after planting until the plant is well established.

Ligularia dentata (photo Alpsdake)

Care

If ligularias have been planted in a spot 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 incorporate it into the soil by lightly forking the surface. Also consider applying a layer of mulch about 5 cm thick to help keep soil cool! Ligularia does indeed need soil to remain cool, even moist… Don’t 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, you can remove spent flower stems after flowering. Tallest young plants may also need staking if exposed to wind.

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

Under heat and sun the plant may wilt during the day… But generally it will recover by evening once temperatures cool. Otherwise, don’t hesitate to give it a little water. Foliage can also be scorched by the sun if the plant is placed in too sunny a spot.

Multiplication: division

Ligularias are preferably propagated by division, which is easier and quicker than sowing.

Division of clumps

Division of Ligularias is best carried out in early spring, or in autumn (after flowering). We recommend doing it every three years. In addition to producing new young plants, division rejuvenates clumps and encourages growth. Avoid doing this on very hot days.

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

Combining Ligularia in the garden

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

Ligularias are ideal in woodland shade gardens! Place them beside other plants such as hostas, Tricyrtis, brunneras, or Geranium nodosum, and of course ferns. To add a touch of colour, include some foxgloves. You will achieve a cool, shaded, very natural atmosphere!

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

Ligularias can form part of a very natural scene, for example on pond margins 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)

Do not hesitate to combine ligularias with other decorative foliage for a superb shade scene: heucheras, ferns, rodgersia, Hakonechloa, alchemillas, Persicaria ‘Red Dragon’… You will obtain a luxuriant-looking garden! Ligularias marry wonderfully with the variegated foliage of hostas! You can also combine them with Carex (for example, Carex morrowii or Carex oshimensis ‘Evergold’…). Among ferns, we recommend Osmundas and Matteuccia struthiopteris, with their majestic, impressive habit. Moreover, because ligularias have very large, substantial foliage, they can create a beautiful contrast of form with the lighter, finely divided fronds of ferns!

You can also integrate ligularias into a mixed border or as an edging with other summer-flowering perennials: daylilies, rudbeckias, astilbes, platycodons, bellflowers… If there is enough sun, add some grasses, such as pennisetums, to lighten the bed and bring movement. Also discover Veronicastrum, with superb upright flower spikes that add strong structure. If your bed receives varying sun, consider watering occasionally if necessary.

Finally, because ligularia is an imposing plant, large and forming wide clumps, it can also be planted singly, which really shows it off.

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