Ligularia dentata 'Othello'

RHS Plant Profile
leopard plant 'Othello'
Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming herbaceous perennial with large, rounded, saw-edged leaves which are flushed deep purple in spring, before fading to dark green. The undersides of the leaves remain dark red/purple. In summer and early autumn branched stems topped by large, daisy-like, yellow-orange flowers with narrow petals are held above the leaves. Height around 1m (3.2ft).

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Chalk, Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Clay Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asteraceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming
Genus
Ligularia are robust herbaceous perennials, with large, often attractively lobed leaves and yellow or orange, daisy-like flower-heads in terminal racemes or branching clusters
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moderately fertile, deep, reliably moist soil, in full sun with some midday shade. Shelter from strong winds.

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring, or after flowering.

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Sub-tropical

Pruning

No pruning required. Cut down withered stems in winter/early spring

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

Generally disease-free