Overview
Ligularia stenocephala is a perennial in the genus Ligularia, part of the Asteraceae family. Ligularia stenocephala grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, shade gardens and moisture-retentive areas. It is native to China Taiwan Japan.
About
Ligularia stenocephala is a moisture-preferring perennial in the Asteraceae, native to China, Taiwan and Japan. It favours partial shade to shade and succeeds where soil remains consistently damp. Plant it in rich, well-drained yet moisture-retentive ground. Expect flowering from July to September.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ligularia stenocephala
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 stenocephala is a perennial from East Asia, placed in the Asteraceae. It establishes best where light is moderated — partial shade through full shade suits the species — and it tolerates the lower light levels of north-facing borders or tree-shaded beds. Its origin in China, Taiwan and Japan points to an affinity for reliably moist, sheltered sites. Cultivate it in soil that is rich and retains moisture while still draining away excess water: a loam improved with organic matter is appropriate. Keep the root zone evenly moist rather than letting it dry out, and avoid hot, exposed positions where rapid drying can stress the plant. The UK hardiness rating H5 means it is hardy in many parts of the country; plant in a spot protected from drying winds to preserve soil moisture. Use Ligularia stenocephala in damp borders, shade gardens and other moisture-retentive areas where its form will complement shade-tolerant perennials. Give it enough room to form a clump and pair it with plants that enjoy similar conditions. Expect flowers from July to September.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ligularia
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- moist, rich, well-drained
- Soil moisture
- moist
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Ligularia stenocephala size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Suggested uses
- borders, shade gardens, moisture-retentive areas
- Native to
- China Taiwan Japan
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ligularia stenocephala
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; protect from strong afternoon sun; mulch in winter
- Pruning
- Remove dead flower stems after blooming; cut back in late autumn
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ligularia stenocephala?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade; protect from strong afternoon sun; mulch in winter.
Where is the best place to plant Ligularia stenocephala?
Ligularia stenocephala prefers partial shade and shade.
What soil does Ligularia stenocephala need?
Ligularia stenocephala is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, rich and well-drained. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Ligularia stenocephala?
Remove dead flower stems after blooming; cut back in late autumn.
Is Ligularia stenocephala hardy in the UK?
Ligularia stenocephala 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 stenocephala?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation possible but less common.
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'