Overview
Ligularia dentata 'Othello' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Ligularia, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ligularia dentata 'Othello' 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 near water features. It is native to Gansu, Guizhou, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Honshu, Hunan, Yunnan and Guangxi.
About
Ligularia dentata 'Othello' is a perennial in the Asteraceae grown for its large, toothed leaves and upright summer flower stalks. The foliage is rounded and carried on long stalks, with flower stems that rise above the leaves. It prefers partial shade to full shade and needs consistently moist, rich soil. Flowering in the UK occurs 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 'Othello' is a perennial from the aster family native to parts of China and Japan, including provinces such as Gansu, Guizhou, Shaanxi, Shanxi, Hunan, Yunnan, Guangxi and Honshu. The cultivar is selected for its substantial, toothed leaves and the seasonal flower display it produces above the foliage. Plant in a position of partial shade or shade where soil remains moist and rich yet well drained; it will not tolerate drying out. Soil pH is not restrictive for this cultivar and can be acidic, neutral or alkaline. In UK terms it is rated H5, meaning it is hardy in typical garden conditions provided crowns are kept cool and the root run stays damp through the growing season. Use Leopard Plant 'Othello' in shaded borders, around ponds or water features, or as a grouped accent in a shade garden where its summer flowers (July to September) can rise above the leaves. The orange‑yellow blooms on tall stalks make a clear seasonal statement in deeper shade where many other perennials struggle to flower.
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
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing, North-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Ligularia dentata 'Othello' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- 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 'Othello'
- Cultivation
- Prefers consistently moist soil and partial to full shade; mulch to retain moisture
- Pruning
- Remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance; cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth
- Propagation
- division in spring or autumn
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ligularia dentata 'Othello'?
Prefers consistently moist soil and partial to full shade; mulch to retain moisture.
Where is the best place to plant Ligularia dentata 'Othello'?
Ligularia dentata 'Othello' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ligularia dentata 'Othello' need?
Ligularia dentata 'Othello' 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 'Othello'?
Remove dead or damaged leaves to maintain appearance; cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.
Is Ligularia dentata 'Othello' hardy in the UK?
Ligularia dentata 'Othello' 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 'Othello'?
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'