Ligularia dentata
leopard plant
An herbaceous perennial up to 1.2m high with dark green heart-shaped leaves on crimson stalks. Crimson-stemmed, brown-centred bright orange-yellow flowerheads appear from midsummer to early autumn
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Brown Orange Yellow | Green | |
| Autumn | Red | Brown Orange Yellow | Green | |
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Ligularia are robust herbaceous perennials, with large, often attractively lobed leaves and yellow or orange, daisy-like flower-heads in terminal racemes or branching clusters
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- China to Vietnam
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in sun or partial shade in rich, moist or boggy soil, in a position sheltered from strong drying winds; good for waterside planting or in dappled shade in a woodland garden
Propagation
Propagate by seed in autumn or spring, or by division in spring or after flowering
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Low Maintenance
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required, but can cut back after flowering
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.