From our perspective as Ligularia plants, propagation is not merely a horticultural technique; it is the fundamental expression of our life force, our desire to establish new colonies and thrive. We offer two primary pathways for you to help us multiply: division, which is a gentle separation of our established selves, and stem cuttings, which encourages new life from our aerial parts. Both methods honor our growth habits and ensure our distinctive, bold foliage and radiant flower spires continue to grace the garden.
Division is the most natural and reliable method for us. As a clump-forming perennial, our central crown sends out underground stems, like exploratory roots, to produce new shoots and form a larger colony. When a mature clump becomes too crowded, the center may begin to die back, a clear signal that we are ready to be divided. The ideal time for this is in the cool, moist periods of early spring, just as our new leaves are beginning to push through the soil, or in early autumn. At these times, the energy is concentrated in our roots, and the milder temperatures reduce the stress of transplantation.
The process begins by gently lifting our entire clump from the soil with a garden fork, taking care to minimize damage to our thick, fleshy roots. Once lifted, you will see the interconnected network of our being. The division itself can often be achieved by carefully pulling the clump apart with your hands, teasing the younger, vigorous shoots on the outskirts away from the older central core. For tougher, more established clumps, the clean cut of a sharp knife or spade is necessary. Each new division must have a healthy section of root and several growing points, or "eyes," from which new leaves will emerge. These divisions are then immediately replanted at the same depth they were growing before, watered thoroughly, and kept consistently moist as they establish their own independent root systems in their new location.
While division works with our underground structure, stem cuttings utilize our above-ground vitality. This method is best performed in late spring or early summer when our stems are actively growing but not yet flowering, channeling energy into vegetative growth rather than reproduction. The goal is to encourage a piece of stem to develop its own roots, essentially creating a genetic clone of the parent plant.
To do this, select a healthy, non-flowering stem that is about 4 to 6 inches long. Using a sharp, sterile blade, make a clean cut just below a leaf node—the point on the stem where leaves emerge. This node is a hub of cellular activity and contains meristematic tissue capable of producing new roots. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to prevent them from rotting when placed in the growing medium. The cutting can then be dipped in a rooting hormone powder, which stimulates root formation, though many of us will root without it if conditions are right.
The prepared cutting should be placed in a pot filled with a light, well-draining medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite. This environment must be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, and placed in a location with bright, indirect light. High humidity is crucial for our success at this stage, as we have no root system to take up water and can easily desiccate. Covering the pot with a clear plastic bag can create a miniature greenhouse, maintaining the humid microclimate we need. Within a few weeks, if successful, new root growth will begin, and once a healthy root system is established, the new Ligularia can be gradually acclimated to outdoor conditions and planted in its permanent home.
