Ligularias are fantastic ornamental plants. Out of all the sites I work on, only one has Ligularias. Right now, mid-summer 2016, these ornamental plants are at their best. I wish my other sites also had them. I might get a few for my patio pots.
Ligularia stenocephala
This ‘Rocket’ likes moist, shady spots. The leaves are huge and form a nice base. They will spread so make sure your ‘Rocket’ has plenty of room to grow.
By mid-summer they send out their rockets which nicely rise above the leaf base. The flower spikes are fragrant and hummingbird favorite.
The Ligularias in the picture are planted in the right location. To the left is a water feature and the entrance area gets a lot of shade. Hamamelis above provides extra shade.
Ligularia dentata
Like its rocket sister, this plant also requires moist soil and plenty of shade. It tolerates heavy shade.
This Ligularia has fantastic foliage. Some even suggest that we remove the daisy-like yellow flowers. They distract us from enjoying the foliage. I beg to differ. I love the yellow flowers. But I must admit, the leaves are awesome. They are huge, long-stalked, leathery, rounded and dark green. The leaf margins are serrated, thus the dentata name.
Group or mass plant this perennial for maximum effect. Water features and north sides of houses are ideal spots.
Slugs may be a problem. Same for too much sun which causes wilting. The plants in the pictures below are planted in very limited shade. In early August they are exhibiting signs of wilting. Regular deep watering may be required.
Here’s a potted specimen.
I have a weakness for yellow, happy flowers but I also appreciate the Ligularia foliage. If you have a moist shady spot in your garden, why not try Ligularias?
