How to Grow Ligularia Plants

 

The Ligularia plant which is also known as leopard plant is actually a bold plant that stands out in semi-shady garden spots. The Ligularia plants are appreciated for their small, daisy-like blooms, the spectacular and also the dinner-plate sized foliage is the real attention getter. Actually growing Ligularia plants in the garden is easy. Continue reading to learn how to grow leopard plant.

 Ligularia Plant Info  

The Ligularia plant is native to Asia. Some varieties sport variegated, leopard-spotted leaves, thus the descriptive name. Small, daisy-like flowers atop three to four foot stems appear in late November or early December. However, much like hosta plant, most gardeners pinch the spiky blooms to direct energy to the leaves. The Ligularia plant is evergreen in USDA plant hardiness zones seven through ten, but the plant dies down if temperatures drop below thirty degrees Fahrenheit. Unless the plant is exposed to a hard freeze, the leaves will re-grow in spring.   

Growing a Ligularia Plant

If they are mass planted, the Ligularia plant will make great groundcovers for a woodland garden. The Ligularia plants are a good choice for damp areas, including alongside a stream or pond. The Ligularia plants also grow well in large containers. The Ligularia plants in the garden can get by with very little sun, and also too much summer sun can wilt the leaves. Try and look for a spot in partial or light shade. (Growing a Ligularia plant is much like growing a hosta plant.) A location protected from intense wind is best for growing Ligularia plant.

Furthermore, the plant actually thrives in rich, moist soil. Water the Ligularia plant as needed to keep the soil consistently moist, most especially during hot, dry weather. Regular irrigation is very vital during the first growing season. Feed the Ligularia plants before new growth appears in spring by applying a good quality, general purpose fertilizer. The Ligularia plants aren’t typically susceptible to plant diseases and they don’t actually have too much trouble with pests apart from slugs that love to dine on the big, juicy leaves. Keep an eye for signs of slug damage and then treat accordingly. One of the best methods of Ligularia plant propagation is to simply dig and divide the mature clumps in spring.