Ligularia dentata, ligularia
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Perennials

Ligularia dentata

ligularia

AsteraceaeAsia

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitClumping
FoliageDeciduous
Height3–5 feet (90–150 cm)
Width3–4 feet (90–120 cm)
Maturity3 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

4 - 8
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Maintenancelow

Overview

Ligularia dentata is a bold, large-leaved herbaceous perennial in the family Asteraceae, native to moist mountain meadows, streamsides, and forest margins in central China and Japan. It forms substantial clumps 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) tall in flower, with large, leathery, kidney-shaped to heart-shaped leaves on long petioles — leaves can reach 12–16 inches (30–40 cm) across, making this one of the most architecturally dramatic foliage plants available for Pacific Northwest shade gardens. In midsummer, stout, dark-stemmed stalks rise above the foliage bearing loose corymbs of orange-yellow daisy-like flowers 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) across. The cultivars 'Desdemona' and 'Othello' are the most widely grown, both featuring deeply purple-tinged leaf undersides and purple-tinted petioles that intensify in strong light. Ligularia dentata requires reliably moist soil and protection from hot afternoon sun; in dry or full-sun positions the large leaves wilt dramatically by midday — even on cool days — a characteristic behavior that signals water stress. It is one of the finest plants for moist, partly shaded situations in Pacific Northwest gardens.

Native Range

Native to moist mountain meadows, forest margins, streamsides, and moist slopes in central and western China (Sichuan, Hubei, Yunnan) and Japan, where the species grows in consistently moist, humus-rich soils in dappled shade or light woodland conditions. Not native to North America.

Suggested Uses

Ligularia dentata is outstanding for bold, architectural foliage effects in moist, partially shaded Pacific Northwest gardens. Its enormous leaves make a dramatic statement at the back of a shaded border, beside a pond or stream, or in a rain garden. The cultivars 'Desdemona' and 'Othello' add a striking purple-toned foliage dimension to the shade garden. Combines effectively with other large-leaved moisture lovers including Rodgersia, Astilbe, and Hosta. The midsummer orange-yellow flowers add seasonal color when many shade-garden perennials are past their peak.

How to Identify

Ligularia dentata is identified by its large, leathery, kidney-shaped to broadly heart-shaped leaves on long petioles, typically 10–16 inches (25–40 cm) across with coarsely toothed margins. The leaf surfaces are dark green above; the cultivars 'Desdemona' and 'Othello' have distinctively purple-tinged undersides and petioles. In midsummer, loose corymbs of orange-yellow daisy-like flowers 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) across are carried on dark, stout stems well above the foliage. The large kidney-shaped leaves with toothed margins, midsummer orange-yellow flowers, and tendency to wilt dramatically in heat or dry conditions are diagnostic.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 5'
Width/Spread3' - 4'

Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years

Colors

Flower Colors

orange
yellow

Foliage Colors

green
purple

Fall Foliage Colors

yellow

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~5 weeks
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Summer
Ligularia dentata blooms in midsummer, typically July through August in Pacific Northwest gardens. Loose, flat-topped clusters of orange-yellow daisy-like flowers 2–3 inches (5–8 cm) across are carried on dark stems 3–5 feet (90–150 cm) tall. The flowering period lasts four to six weeks. The large, dramatic foliage is attractive from spring through autumn, providing bold textural interest long before and after bloom.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

Orange-yellow, daisy-like, in loose flat-topped corymbs

Foliage Description

Large, leathery, kidney-shaped to heart-shaped, dark green above; purple-tinged undersides and petioles in cultivars 'Desdemona' and 'Othello'

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Partial Shade
Full Shade
Requires 1-4 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaypeat
Drainage
moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2–3 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant ligularia in partial shade to full shade in consistently moist, humus-rich, fertile soil. Consistent moisture is essential — the plant is naturally a streamside and moist meadow species and will wilt dramatically in dry conditions or full sun, even on cool days. In Pacific Northwest gardens, a position in dappled shade with access to moisture (near a pond, in a rain garden, or with regular deep irrigation) produces the best results. Mulch heavily to retain soil moisture. Plants are large and long-lived; space 3–4 feet (90–120 cm) apart. Divide every three to four years in spring to maintain vigor if clumps become congested.

Pruning

Cut back spent flower stems to the base after blooming in late summer. Remove any brown or slug-damaged leaves as they appear throughout the season to keep the planting tidy. Cut the entire plant back to ground level in late autumn after frost kills the foliage. Divide large clumps every three to four years in early spring just as new growth begins.

Pruning Schedule

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Maintenance Level

low

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic