Ligularia dentata - Leopard Plant

The Ligularia dentata is an impressive and majestic ornamental plant, with a giant-like appearance. Its spectacular decorative foliage is dark green to deep bronze, and in summer, it is dominated by long spikes of yellow-orange flowers with a brown centre, grouped in pyramidal clusters. This robust perennial plant thrives in damp, shady, and wet conditions, and it adds structure and beauty to the shaded and moist areas of the garden!

Ligularia dentata, also known as Ligularia clivorum and Ligularia dentate, is a large perennial native to China and Japan, belonging to the Asteraceae family. Forming an imposing mass, this vigorous, compact, and bushy species reaches a height of 1 to 1.50 meters (3 to 5 feet) with a spread of 1 meter (3 feet). Its abundant glossy leaves are 15 to 30 cm (6 to 12in) long, and are dentate and rounded with deep fan-shaped veins. The basal leaves are heart-shaped, leathery, ranging from dark green to deep bronze, almost mahogany on the reverse, and their long petioles are red. From July to October, large corymbs, 2 to 10 cm (1 to 4in) in diameter, composed of numerous yellow-orange flowers with a brown centre, bloom on tall branching stems tinged with purple. The delicately fragrant flowers attract many pollinating insects.

With great longevity, this vigorous and very cold-resistant Ligularia prefers wet soils, even heavy soil including clay, or marshy soils, as well as semi-shade, or even complete shade. Forming an imposing, dense, and compact mass, measuring 80 cm (32in) to 1 m (3ft) in diameter, its magnificent foliage will make an impression in the garden, in shaded and wet areas. This magnificent ornamental plant will be particularly suitable for the water's edge (pond, ditch, basin, stream...). It will also be ideal for flower beds or mixed borders, even tolerating a relatively sunny position, provided that the soil remains moist and wet, a necessary condition for the development of its foliage. Slow to establish, it takes two to three years for this Ligularia to reach its adult size. It will be the perfect companion for many perennial shade plants such as Campanula lactiflora, Hosta, Rodgersia, Kirengeshoma, Astilbe, Thalictrum, Ligularia stenocephala, Veronikastrum sibiricum, Euphorbia palustris, or Iris chrysographes. It will also work wonders when planted in a large pot, as long as there is constant moisture in its substrate.

The etymology of the word Ligularia comes from the Latin word "ligula," meaning strap or strip, referring to the ligules or corollas that make up the flowers. Dentata refers to the dentate leaves of this Ligularia.