Beginning in mid spring, dramatic, narrow-spiked Ligularia lends the beauty of its large serated triangular or heart-shaped leaves to any moist partial-sun garden. Then in summer until first frost, it adds tall slender spikes of flowers. A noble plant with huge leathery leaves, deep green on top, ebony on the reverse side. Give this moisture lover room as it can be 4′ across and 5′ tall. Fragrant yellow, spike flowers in early summer, held above the leaves. A hummingbird favorite. They can form a magnificent display in a mixed border and can look imposing as waterside plants where the inflorescences are reflected into the water.
Best in a rich, moist soil. Very impressive planted in groups or as a background in the perennial border. Though it does as well in well-drained soil just so long as it is never entirely dries out, Ligularia is also a true bog plant and can have water up to the head of the root without harm.