Grow Ligularia Plants to Brighten up Shady Spots

How to Grow Ligularia

For those looking to add interest in shady areas of their yard, perennial ligularia — also known as leopard plant — is a perfect, sunny pick. Leopard plant grows best in medium dry to wet soils, and it prefers at least part shade, if not completely full shade. It’ll thrive in a rain garden that doesn’t get much sun. To make sure it grows best, give the plant moist, rich soil and ample space.

Because leopard plants need moisture, it’s a good idea to either keep them watered constantly or to plant them in a place where they’ll naturally get enough to drink. While it’s always nice to have an eye-catching plant in the shade, gardeners particularly enjoy this plant’s bright blooms. Yellow or orange flowers bloom in spikes from June to July. This plant’s impressively large leaves also tend to draw interest.

Growing Information

Common name: Leopard plant
Botanical name: Ligularia spp.
Growing zones: 4 to 9
Height: 3 to 8 feet
Width: 2 to 3 feet
Light needs: Full to part shade
Attracts: Butterflies, bees
Grown for: Shade interest, pollinators

Benefits of Growing Ligularia

Many gardeners especially appreciate leopard plant’s habit of growing in shady, moist areas where few flowers would survive. As if that’s not enough, this plant also boasts pollinator benefits, as it draws gardener-favorite bees and butterflies to the yard. Some might use the flowers in a cut flower garden. If space is an issue, some varieties of leopard plant can be grown in containers; just make sure to keep the soil moist.

More than 100 cultivars of leopard plant exist, so there’s sure to be one that fits any yard. They boast an impressive array of leaf shapes and sizes. Commonly grown varieties include The Rocket, Palmatiloba and Japanese ligularia. Britt-Marie Crawford draws in butterflies with its golden, daisylike blooms.

Sources

• Missouri Botanical Garden, “Ligularia ‘The Rocket’”
• Gardenia.net, “Ligularia (Leopard Plant)”
• Fine Gardening, “The Best Ligularias”