Ligularia stenocephala Little Rocket - Leopard Plant

Ligularia stenocephala 'Little Rocket' is the dwarf version of the famous variety 'The Rocket', which is award-winning and recognized. Its more modest stature does not diminish the spectacular side of this plant with large dark green and ebony decorative foliage, dominated from summer to autumn with long golden yellow flower spikes, grouped in pyramidal clusters, on black purple stems. Its contrasting colours, dense and generous flowering, and large dissected leaves are appreciated. A robust perennial that loves moisture, shade, and humidity, this Ligularia is a structural and luxuriant plant, very impressive in the shaded and moist areas of the garden, where its beautiful foliage contrasts with the other plants in the shade garden.

Ligularia 'Little Rocket', is a perennial of horticultural origin belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is a hybrid obtained by Mr. Fransen, selected for its compact form and floribundity. This variety, which is vigorous, forms a dense and well-compacted clump, with large leaves that are sometimes deeply lobed, triangular or heart-shaped, pointed, leathery, and toothed. The upper side of the leaves is dark green and the undersides are ebony. From June to September, and even until the first frost, long black purple stems rise just above the foliage, bearing large slender clusters composed of numerous golden yellow flowers, which are slightly fragrant. The flowers of this Ligularia attracts many pollinating insects. This cultivar reaches 80 cm (32in) to 1 m (3ft) in height and 60 cm (24in) in width. Its aerial, deciduous vegetation emerges from the ground in spring and dries up in autumn.

With a long lifespan, vigorous and highly cold-resistant, this Ligularia 'Little Rocket' thrives in moist, even clay soils, and partial shade, or even full shade. Its magnificent foliage creates a sensation in the garden. This highly ornamental plant is particularly suitable for the water's edge (ponds, ditches, basins, streams, etc.). It is also ideal in flower beds or mixed borders, tolerating even relatively sunny situations, as long as the soil remains moist, a necessary condition for the development of its generous foliage. Slowly establishing, it takes two to three years for this Ligularia to reach its adult size. It is the perfect companion for many shade perennial plants such as Rodgersia, Kirengeshoma, Astilbe, Pigamon, Siberian Speedwell, Marsh Spurge, or Black Iris chrysographes. It can also be planted in a large pot as long as its substrate remains moist.