Overview
Ligularia stenocephala 'The Rocket' is a clump forming perennial in the genus Ligularia, part of the Asteraceae family, with deciduous foliage. Ligularia stenocephala 'The Rocket' grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates most soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, shade gardens and woodland gardens. It is native to Hubei, Henan, Hebei, Honshu, Yunnan, Taiwan, Jiangsu and Shanxi.
About
Ligularia stenocephala 'The Rocket' is a perennial cultivar of the Ligularia genus, known for its preference for moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade. As a member of the Asteraceae family, it shares the genus's characteristic yellow or orange composite flower heads with central disc florets. Native to regions including Hubei, Henan, and Honshu, this cultivar thrives in neutral to slightly acidic, well-drained soils. It is hardy to UK zone H5 and is suitable for borders, shade gardens, and woodland settings. Regular removal of spent flower stalks and cutting back in late autumn or early spring helps maintain its appearance.
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
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Ligularia
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- moist, rich, well-drained
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Ligularia stenocephala 'The Rocket' size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- borders, shade gardens, woodland gardens
- Native to
- Hubei, Henan, Hebei, Honshu, Yunnan, Taiwan, Jiangsu, Shanxi
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Ligularia stenocephala 'The Rocket'
- Cultivation
- Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade. Avoid dry conditions.
- Pruning
- Remove spent flower stalks to encourage tidiness; cut back in late autumn or early spring.
- Propagation
- Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation less common.
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Ligularia stenocephala 'The Rocket'?
Prefers moist, humus-rich soil in partial to full shade. Avoid dry conditions.
Where is the best place to plant Ligularia stenocephala 'The Rocket'?
Ligularia stenocephala 'The Rocket' prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Ligularia stenocephala 'The Rocket' need?
Ligularia stenocephala 'The Rocket' is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including moist, rich and well-drained. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Ligularia stenocephala 'The Rocket'?
Remove spent flower stalks to encourage tidiness; cut back in late autumn or early spring.
Is Ligularia stenocephala 'The Rocket' hardy in the UK?
Ligularia stenocephala 'The Rocket' 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 'The Rocket'?
Division in spring or autumn; seed propagation less common.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- The Smallest GardenHow to plant a window box that lasts all season — choosing and fixing the planter, reading the light, picking plants for sun or shade, and keeping it watered and thriving.
- The Joy of the Gooseberry ShowSince 1800, a North Yorkshire village has weighed its gooseberries on antique scales every August. On drams, grains, world records and the loveliest tradition in British gardening.
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
More in the Ligularia genus
- Ligularia dentataleopard plant
- Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona'leopard plant 'Desdemona'
- Ligularia dentata 'Moorblut'Leopard Plant
- Ligularia dentata 'Orange Queen'Orange Queen Ligularia
- Ligularia dentata 'Othello'leopard plant 'Othello'
- Ligularia hodgsoniiLeopard Plant
- Ligularia japonicaJapanese ligularia
- Ligularia macrophyllaBigleaf Ligularia
