For the shade gardener in the United States, few plants offer the dramatic foliage and architectural presence of Ligularia. Thriving in the cool, moist conditions that many other plants shun, these perennials are prized for their large, often striking leaves and bold flower spikes. From a botanical perspective, their success hinges on replicating their natural woodland and streamside habitats. Here are some of the best varieties to consider for your shaded garden space.
This is arguably one of the most popular cultivars for a reason. 'Desdemona' showcases large, rounded or kidney-shaped leaves that emerge a deep purple-bronze on the upper surface, maturing to a dark green, while the underside retains a rich burgundy-purple. The plant forms a robust clump, typically reaching 3 feet in height and spread. In mid to late summer, it produces bright orange, daisy-like flowers on dark stems that rise above the foliage. Botanically, its success depends on consistently moist, humus-rich soil; if the soil dries out, the leaves will wilt dramatically as a physiological response to reduce water loss. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Offering a different architectural form, this species is valued for its deeply cut, sharply toothed leaves that resemble a maple's. The foliage is a deep green and forms a substantial clump. Its most distinctive feature is its flower spike: tall, slender, black stems that can reach 4-6 feet in height, adorned with small, bright yellow flowers that bloom from the bottom up. This creates a striking, candelabra-like effect. From a growth perspective, it is slightly more tolerant of occasional dryness than L. dentata varieties once established, but still performs best with constant moisture. It is well-suited to the back of a border. It is hardy in USDA zones 3-8.
For the most intense foliage color, this variety is exceptional. Its leaves are nearly black-purple when they first emerge, eventually settling into a very dark chocolate-purple on top with a deep purple underside. The leaves are large and rounded, similar to 'Desdemona'. In high summer, it produces clusters of vivid orange flowers that create a stunning contrast against the dark foliage. Like other Ligularias, it requires protection from hot afternoon sun to prevent leaf scorch and absolutely must have moist soil to thrive. It is a bit less vigorous than some varieties but makes a spectacular focal point. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
This cultivar is a showstopper with its towering flower spikes that can rocket up to 6 feet tall. The foliage is green, heart-shaped, and sharply toothed, forming a strong base for the incredible flower display. The flowers themselves are a bright, clear yellow and are arranged on tall, dark, nearly black spikes. The combination of green leaves and dark stems with yellow flowers is both elegant and bold. This plant needs a reliably moist location to support its rapid and substantial growth. It is an excellent choice for planting near a water feature or in a low-lying area of the garden. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
For gardens with limited space, 'Little Rocket' offers all the charm of its larger relative in a more compact form. It typically grows to about 2-3 feet tall and wide. It features similar green, toothed leaves and produces spikes of yellow flowers, but on a scale better suited for smaller borders or containers. Its reduced size does not diminish its need for moist, rich soil and protection from harsh sun. This variety demonstrates the adaptability of the genus to different garden scales while maintaining its core botanical requirements. It is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
