Overview
Ligularia dentata 'Moorblut' is a perennial in the genus Ligularia, part of the Asteraceae family. Ligularia dentata 'Moorblut' grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acidic to neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, shade gardens and near water features. It is native to Gansu, Guizhou, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Honshu, Hunan, Yunnan and Guangxi.
About
Ligularia dentata 'Moorblut' is a perennial in the Asteraceae native to parts of China and Japan and grown for its prominent foliage and summer flowering. It prefers partial shade on moist, rich, well-drained soil with an acidic to neutral pH. Plant in a sheltered spot on a north or east aspect where soil moisture can be maintained. Flowers appear from July to September.
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 'Moorblut' originates from regions of China and Japan and belongs to the daisy family, Asteraceae. As a perennial, it returns year after year and produces its summer flowers between July and September. The cultivar is typically used where foliage and seasonal flowers are required together rather than for winter display. Sit this Leopard Plant in partial shade, ideally on a north or east-facing aspect with shelter from strong winds. It performs best in moist, rich, well-drained soil with an acidic to neutral pH; consistent moisture is important, so consider beds that remain damp through the growing season or planting close to a water feature. The hardiness rating H5 means it is hardy in most UK gardens, tolerating typical winter conditions when sited in a protected spot. Use Ligularia dentata 'Moorblut' in shaded borders, dedicated shade gardens or near ponds and streams where soil moisture is reliable. Give plants room to form a clump and avoid exposed, dry sites; in the right position the summer flower stems will rise above the leaves and provide a clear seasonal display from July to September.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ligularia
- Sunlight
- partial shade
- Soil type
- moist, rich, well-drained
- Soil pH
- acidic to neutral
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- north, east
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Ligularia dentata 'Moorblut' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, shade gardens, near water features
- Native to
- Gansu, Guizhou, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Honshu, Hunan, Yunnan, Guangxi
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ligularia dentata 'Moorblut'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; protect from strong afternoon sun
- Pruning
- Remove dead flower stems after blooming; cut back in late autumn
- Propagation
- division in spring or autumn
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ligularia dentata 'Moorblut'?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; protect from strong afternoon sun.
Where is the best place to plant Ligularia dentata 'Moorblut'?
Ligularia dentata 'Moorblut' prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ligularia dentata 'Moorblut' need?
Ligularia dentata 'Moorblut' 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 'Moorblut'?
Remove dead flower stems after blooming; cut back in late autumn.
Is Ligularia dentata 'Moorblut' hardy in the UK?
Ligularia dentata 'Moorblut' 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 'Moorblut'?
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'