Overview
Ligularia dentata is a perennial herbaceous in the genus Ligularia, part of the Asteraceae family. Ligularia dentata grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic to neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, shade gardens and water margins. It is native to China to Vietnam.
About
Ligularia dentata is a perennial herbaceous member of the Asteraceae grown for its foliage and summer flowering. It is native to China to Vietnam and produces orange-yellow composite flowers from July to September. Plants prefer partial shade to shade, moist, rich, well-drained acidic to neutral soil in a sheltered position and are rated H5 (hardy) in the UK.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ligularia dentata
About the genus
Ligularia is a genus of Old World herbaceous perennial plants in the groundsel tribe within the sunflower family. They have yellow or orange composite flower heads with brown or yellow central disc florets, and are native to damp habitats mostly in central and eastern Asia, with a few species from Europe. There are about 120 to 140 species in the genus, and over half are endemic to China.
Wikipedia contributors, "Ligularia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ligularia
In the garden
A member of the Asteraceae, Ligularia dentata comes from China to Vietnam and is cultivated for its large-leaved habit and late-summer bloom. Flower heads are orange-yellow and appear in July to September, providing colour through the height of summer when many shade plants are finishing. Position plants in partial shade or full shade on north, east or west aspects and choose a sheltered site to reduce exposure to drying winds. The species performs best in consistently moist, rich, well-drained soil with an acidic to neutral pH; keeping soil moisture steady is important because it prefers moist conditions rather than dry ones. In the UK it carries an H5 rating (hardy), meaning it tolerates typical winter conditions where the soil remains reasonably moist. Use Ligularia dentata at the rear of shaded borders, in dedicated shade gardens or at the margins of ponds and streams where the soil stays damp. The orange-yellow summer flowers between July and September make it especially useful for adding late-summer colour in shady, moisture-retentive spots.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ligularia
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- moist, rich, well-drained
- Soil pH
- acidic to neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- north, east, west
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Ligularia dentata size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial herbaceous
- Suggested uses
- borders, shade gardens, water margins
- Native to
- China to Vietnam
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ligularia dentata
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; avoid dry conditions; mulch in winter
- Pruning
- Remove dead flower stems after blooming; cut back in late autumn
- Propagation
- division in spring or autumn; seed
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ligularia dentata?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; avoid dry conditions; mulch in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Ligularia dentata?
Ligularia dentata prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ligularia dentata need?
Ligularia dentata is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, rich and well-drained. It prefers acidic to neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Ligularia dentata?
Remove dead flower stems after blooming; cut back in late autumn.
Is Ligularia dentata hardy in the UK?
Ligularia dentata has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Ligularia dentata?
Division in spring or autumn; seed.
More in the Ligularia genus
- Ligularia hodgsoniiLeopard Plant
- Ligularia japonicaJapanese ligularia
- Ligularia macrophyllaBigleaf Ligularia
- Ligularia veitchianaLeopard Plant
- Ligularia × palmatilobaLeopard Plant
- Ligularia 'Gregynog Gold'leopard plant 'Gregynog Gold'