Overview
Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona' is a perennial in the genus Ligularia, part of the Asteraceae family. Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, shade gardens and woodland gardens. It is native to Gansu, Guizhou, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Honshu, Hunan, Yunnan and Guangxi.
About
Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona' is a perennial valued for its large, rounded leaves and summer sprays of orange-yellow daisy-like flowers. Flower stalks rise above the foliage from July to September. It favours shaded, sheltered spots with consistently moist, rich soil. Use it where foliage impact and summer flowering are required in low-light parts of the garden.
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
Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona' is a herbaceous perennial originating from regions of China and Honshu in Japan. It produces broad, long-stalked leaves and carries orange-yellow composite flowers on upright stalks that stand above the foliage through July to September. Plant it where light is limited: partial shade or full shade suits 'Desdemona' best. It prefers a moist, rich, well-drained soil and tolerates acidic to alkaline conditions, so it will establish in most garden soils provided they remain damp rather than dry. Give a sheltered position to protect the leaf canopy and the flowering stems from exposed winds. Rated H5—hardy for most of the UK—'Desdemona' is useful at the back of borders, in shade gardens and in woodland settings where its leaf shape and summer blooms provide structure and seasonal colour. Place it alongside other moisture-loving perennials to conceal the base in summer and to benefit from similar cultural needs; the elevated flower stems make it a good foil for lower evergreen groundcovers and spring bulbs.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ligularia
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- moist, rich, well-drained
- Soil pH
- acidic, neutral, alkaline
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, shade gardens, woodland gardens
- Native to
- Gansu, Guizhou, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Honshu, Hunan, Yunnan, Guangxi
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona'
- Cultivation
- Prefers consistently moist soil and partial to full shade; mulch to retain moisture; avoid dry conditions.
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance; cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona'?
Prefers consistently moist soil and partial to full shade; mulch to retain moisture; avoid dry conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona'?
Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona' need?
Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, rich and well-drained. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona'?
Remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance; cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
Is Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona' hardy in the UK?
Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona' 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 'Desdemona'?
Division in spring or autumn.
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'