Overview
Ligularia macrophylla is a perennial in the genus Ligularia, part of the Asteraceae family. Ligularia macrophylla grows best in partial shade, and tolerates moist and rich soil soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, shade gardens and near water features. It is native to C. Asia and NW China.
About
Ligularia macrophylla is a perennial in the Asteraceae grown for its large leaves and summer flower display. It prefers partial shade and reliably moist, rich soil. In the UK it is classed H5 (hardy) and suits moisture-retentive spots. Flowering occurs July to September.
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 macrophylla is a perennial in the sunflower family native to central Asia and north‑west China. It is valued in temperate gardens for its noticeably large foliage and seasonal flowering habit; flower stems emerge in summer and provide a late-summer accent. Use the plant where soil remains reliably moist and nutrient-rich rather than in dry beds. Place Ligularia macrophylla in partial shade to avoid leaf scorch and to preserve soil moisture; it does not suit prolonged sun-exposed sites. Planting in a soil amended with organic matter helps retain moisture and supports foliage growth. The species is H5 (hardy) for the UK, so it withstands ordinary winter conditions across much of Britain but benefits from consistent summer moisture. This plant suits mixed borders, shaded perennial beds and planting close to ponds or water features where the ground stays damp. Space plants so air circulates around the crown to reduce surface dampness without letting the root zone dry out. Flowering occurs July to September, with stems rising above the leaves to complete the summer season.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ligularia
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Moist, rich soil
- Soil moisture
- Moist
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Ligularia macrophylla size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Perennial
- Suggested uses
- Borders, shade gardens, near water features
- Native to
- C. Asia, NW China
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ligularia macrophylla
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; protect from strong winds.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower stalks to encourage tidy growth.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ligularia macrophylla?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; protect from strong winds.
Where is the best place to plant Ligularia macrophylla?
Ligularia macrophylla prefers partial shade.
What soil does Ligularia macrophylla need?
Ligularia macrophylla grows best in moist and rich soil soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Ligularia macrophylla?
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage tidy growth.
Is Ligularia macrophylla hardy in the UK?
Ligularia macrophylla 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 macrophylla?
Division in spring or autumn.
More in the Ligularia genus
- Ligularia hodgsoniiLeopard Plant
- Ligularia japonicaJapanese ligularia
- Ligularia veitchianaLeopard Plant
- Ligularia × palmatilobaLeopard Plant
- Ligularia 'Gregynog Gold'leopard plant 'Gregynog Gold'