Overview
Ligularia japonica is a perennial in the genus Ligularia, part of the Asteraceae family. It typically grows around 1.5 m tall. Ligularia japonica grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. It is native to Kyushu, Guangxi, Fujian, Shikoku, Anhui, Hubei, Guangdong and Hunan.
About
Ligularia japonica is a perennial reaching about 1.5 m, producing upright flowering stems in late summer. It flowers from July to September. Plant in full sun in moist but well-drained soils — tolerating sandy, loamy or clay textures. It carries a UK hardiness rating of H7, so it tolerates winter conditions across most of the country.
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 and of the genus Ligularia, Ligularia japonica is native to parts of Japan (Kyushu, Shikoku) and several Chinese provinces including Guangxi, Fujian, Anhui, Hubei, Guangdong and Hunan. As a perennial, it typically reaches around 1.5 m and produces its flowering stems in the late-summer months. Give it a permanently sunny position and soils that remain moist but are freely drained; it adapts to sandy, loamy or clay types. In UK terms it is rated H7, meaning it is fully hardy and will withstand normal winter exposure. For gardeners outside the UK the USDA hardiness range is 4–8, which indicates tolerance of a broad span of winter minimums. Where space allows, use Ligularia japonica at the back of perennial borders or in moisture-retentive beds where late-summer height is required. Its upright stems add vertical structure between July and September when the plants come into flower, making it useful for filling gaps as other border perennials begin to fade.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ligularia
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Sandy, Loamy, Clay
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- UK hardiness
- H7
Plant details
Ligularia japonica size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Height
- 1.5 m
- Native to
- Kyushu, Guangxi, Fujian, Shikoku, Anhui, Hubei, Guangdong, Hunan
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Ligularia japonica?
Ligularia japonica prefers full sun.
What soil does Ligularia japonica need?
Ligularia japonica is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including sandy, loamy and clay. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Ligularia japonica grow?
Ligularia japonica reaches a height of 1.5 m.
Is Ligularia japonica hardy in the UK?
Ligularia japonica has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.
More in the Ligularia genus
- Ligularia hodgsoniiLeopard Plant
- Ligularia macrophyllaBigleaf Ligularia
- Ligularia veitchianaLeopard Plant
- Ligularia × palmatilobaLeopard Plant
- Ligularia 'Gregynog Gold'leopard plant 'Gregynog Gold'