Learn to grow this large-leafed perennial in persistently damp spots. Expect deep burgundy leaves with golden flowers on many ligularia varieties. Ligularia is a genus with around 140 different species, most of which are native to China.

Understanding the Context

Flowers attract bees and butterflies and plants are deer and rabbit resistant. How to Grow and Care for Ligularia Like a Pro - The Spruce Ligularia encompasses over 150 species of plants native to Europe and Asia. It is prized for its striking dark foliage and brilliant yellow flowers. Foliage ranges in color from green to maroon with lovely shades of bronze and purple.

Key Insights

Leaves are typically rounded, or heart shaped and may have smooth, serrated or toothed edges. Gorgeous foliage, flashy flowers, and semi-evergreen, ligularia deserves recognition! Join gardening expert Melissa Strauss in learning how to grow and care for this beautiful shade plant. There are about 120 [5] to 140 species in the genus, and over half are endemic to China. [6] The name Ligularia, from the Latin for "strap", refers to the shape of the ray florets.

Final Thoughts

[7] Some species and cultivars are cultivated as ornamentals. Ligularia, often known as the Leopard Plant, is a distinctive perennial that brings dramatic flair to garden spaces, particularly those with shade. Habit: Ligularia exhibits a bold and architectural habit. They have daisy-like, yellow to orange flowers held on narrow spikes, on long cone-shaped spikes or in flat-topped clusters. Ligularia fruits are cylindrical, usually hairless achenes. Ligularias can be large plants growing over 6 ft.

tall. Genus name comes from the Latin word ligula meaning strap in reference to the shape of the ray flowers.