Ligularia dentata

Ligularia dentata, commonly known as the bigleaf ligularia or leopard plant, is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Asteraceae family. Native to China and Japan, it has become a popular ornamental plant worldwide due to its striking foliage and bright yellow flowers. The bigleaf ligularia can grow up to 3 feet tall, with large, heart-shaped leaves that can reach up to 12 inches in diameter. The dark green leaves have prominent veins and slightly toothed edges. In mid-summer, the plant produces clusters of bright yellow daisy-like flowers on tall stems that rise above the foliage. This plant prefers moist soil but can tolerate some drought once established. It thrives in partial shade or full shade but can also handle some sun exposure if given enough moisture. The bigleaf ligularia is an excellent choice for adding color and texture to shaded areas of your garden or landscape. Its large leaves contrast beautifully with plants that have smaller foliage, while its bright yellow flowers add a splash of color in mid-summer when many other plants have finished blooming. Overall, Ligularia dentata is an easy-to-grow perennial that requires minimal maintenance once established, providing stunning visual interest throughout the growing season.

🌳 The leopard plant thrives in wet soil, making it an excellent choice for gardens in areas where most plants would struggle. Its strikingly large leaves and bright orange-yellow daisy-like flowers perched on red stems add visual interest to areas that are typically bare. The leopard plant is particularly well-suited for bog gardens and rain gardens.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Herb

Life Cycle

Perennial, Annual

Genus

Ligularia

Family

Asteraceae

Hardiness Zone

3-8

Mature Height

0.91 m to 1.52 m

Mature Spread

91 cm

Leaf Color

Green, Red

Leaf Type

Deciduous

Flower Color

Orange, Yellow

Flower Size

10.16 cm

Bloom Time

Mid summer

Planting Time

Spring

Harvest Time

Mid summer, Late summer

Native Area

China, Japan

Tags (30)

Common Names (3)