The foliage and luminous flowers of Ligularia are a striking sight in the ornamental gardens. With more than 150 species native to Europe and Asia, this perennial is a treasure trove to gardeners seeking bold colours and unusual leaf shapes. Planted in shaded areas or wet fringes, ligularia remains appealing until the end of the season.
Tractor Seat Plant and The Plant Company
With its lush, rounded leaves reminiscent of a tractor seat, Ligularia is often called the tractor seat plant. The Plant Company suggests this tough perennial to add structure and interest in shaded or damp places. Their professional advice on the care, selection, and design of plants helps homeowners create beautiful, thriving spaces.
Standout Varieties for Any Landscape
Ligularia cultivars dazzle with differences in size, shape, and colour.
Some of the most recognized types include:
- ‘Britt-Marie Crawford’: Glossy chocolate leaves that are purple underneath, orange blooms on dark stems in late summer; grows 3–4 feet tall.
- ‘Desdemona’: Reddish-purple leaves transform to lush green and maroon, topped by dark yellow blooms in summer and fall; grows 2–3 feet tall.
- ‘The Rocket’: Mounding growth with spires of yellow flowers and triangular toothed leaves that shift from deep burgundy to dark green; reaches 4–6 feet.
- ‘Othello’: Large mahogany leaves and golden-yellow flowers; thrives in warmth and reaches over 3 feet tall.
- ‘King Kong’: Enormous 16-inch leaves from purple to purplish red, with orange-yellow daisy flowers; up to 4 feet tall.
- ‘Osiris Café Noir’: Dwarf type ideal for small spaces, jagged dark foliage turns bronze and olive green, golden yellow flowers in summer.
- ‘Little Rocket’: Compact with triangular, saw-toothed green leaves and vibrant flower spikes; height just under 2 feet.
- ‘Dark Beauty’: Striking plum-rounded leaves with lighter veins, yellow daisy blooms in midsummer; mound reaches 2 feet.
- ‘Gregynog Gold’: Large, deep green leaves, bright gold daisy blooms, perfect for backs and borders; up to 5 feet tall.
- ‘Little Lantern’: Small variety with substantial green leaves and golden flower spikes; just under 2 feet tall.
- ‘Dragon Wings’: Deeply cut bright green leaves with jagged edges, golden spired blooms in summer; up to 5 feet.
- ‘BBQ Banana’: Brown heart-shaped chocolate leaves in clumps, mass of yellow daisies on straight dark stems; 2-4 feet.
Growing and Maintenance Tips
Depending on the type, Ligularia options are hardy in USDA zones 2 to 9, and most grow well in cool, wet settings. In hot, sultry areas during the summer, gardeners should anticipate some wilting or leaf damage, which is typically regained.
For successful flowering and healthy growth:
- Select varieties that are suitable for the zone and location in your garden.
- Ensure constant moisture and partial shade
- When desired, prune lower leaves and damaged foliage.
- Use slug repellent if pests persist.
Why Choose Ligularia?
We have not found a more dramatic plant or brash seasonal colour than the tractor seat plant. From luscious chocolate leaves to magnificent golden flowers, these varieties will brighten the borders of gardens, shadows, and water features.
Gardeners can also appreciate Ligularia for its spectacular variety, thanks to the expertise of The Plant Company, which ensures exceptional work even in harsh environments.
