Ligularia stenocephala - Leopard Plant

Ligularia stenocephala is a superb Ligularia, spectacular in wet and shady areas. This perennial first produces a luxuriant clump of large, round and toothed leaves which are shiny, dark green and very ornamental. Then, in the second half of summer, it produces long flower stalks, bright yellow, grouped in slender pyramidal clusters, on almost black stems. A robust perennial with large growth, loving moisture, shade and humidity, this Ligularia is a structural and luxuriant plant, which grows beautifully next to water.

Ligularia stenocephala is a herbaceous perennial belonging to the Asteraceae family, although it looks very different from asters and sunflowers. It is a botanic species native to China, Japan and Taiwan. This vigorous plant will reach 1.50m (5ft) to 1.80m (6ft) in height when flowering, with a diameter of 90 cm (35in) to over 1m (3ft). It forms a dense and compact clump, with very large deciduous leaves, triangular or heart-shaped, reaching 40 cm (16in) in length and 30 cm (12in) in width, bordered by irregular sharp teeth, leathery and toothed. The upper side of the leaves is dark green and shiny. From June to August, even until September, long blackish stems rise above the foliage, carrying large thin clusters called racemes, composed of numerous and tiny yellow daisies with an orange centre, slightly fragrant, 2 to 4 cm (1 to 2in) in diameter. The flowers of this Ligularia attracts many pollinating insects.

Of great longevity, vigorous and very resistant to cold, this Ligularia loves moist, even clay soils, and partial shade, even complete shade. Forming an imposing mass, its foliage will make an impression in the garden. It will naturally find its place at the edge of a water feature (pond, ditch, basin, stream...). It will also be interesting in flower beds or mixed borders to which it brings structure and verticality, tolerating even a relatively sunny position, as long as the soil remains moist and cool, a necessary condition for the development of its generous foliage. Slowly settling in, it takes two to three years for this Ligularia to reach its adult size. It is the perfect companion for many shade and bank perennial plants such as the campanulate, the hosta, the rodgersia, the kirengeshoma, the astilbe, the marsh euphorbia, or the chrysograph iris.  It also works wonders planted in a large pot, with adequate watering.