About
Ligularia dentata, the leopard plant, is a robust, herbaceous perennial to 1.2 m with dark-green, heart-shaped leaves on crimson stalks. Brown-centred, bright orange-yellow flowerheads on crimson stems appear from midsummer to early autumn. A bold and dramatic perennial for a moist, sheltered border or streamside.
About the genus
Ligularia are robust, herbaceous perennials with large, often attractively lobed leaves and yellow or orange, daisy-like flowerheads in terminal racemes or branching clusters in summer and autumn. Excellent plants for moist, sheltered borders and streamside plantings.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native toChina to Vietnam
Care notes
CultivationGrow in sun or partial shade in rich, moist or boggy soil, in a position sheltered from strong drying winds; good for waterside planting or in dappled shade in a woodland garden
PruningNo pruning required, but can cut back after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed in autumn or spring, or by division in spring or after flowering
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free