Also known as Leopard Plant · 216 saves
Ligularia
Ligularia, the genus most gardeners know as leopard plant. We track 11 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 11 most-saved Ligularia varieties
2 species of Ligularia
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Ligularia in Sow
Save the Ligularia you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Ligularia
Whats common across all Ligularia varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 11 most-grown of them.
The Ligularia year
- MulchApril and October82% of varieties
Apply thick layer of organic mulch to retain critical moisture
- Check for PestsApril–August82% of varieties
Monitor frequently for slugs and snails; treat immediately
- DivideMarch and September73% of varieties
Divide large clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall
- Spring CleanupFebruary and March45% of varieties
Remove old, dead foliage before new growth starts
- FertilizeMarch and April36% of varieties
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer for strong foliage growth
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Provide consistently moist to wet soil; this plant loves 'wet feet'
- Protect from strong winds which can tatter the large leaves
- Mulch generously to help retain soil moisture
- If it wilts on a hot day, water it deeply in the evening; it usually recovers
Avoid
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Refrain from over-fertilizing to prevent legginess
- Do not let the soil dry out; it will wilt severely and may scorch
- Avoid planting in full, hot afternoon sun
What goes wrong with Ligularia
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Slugs | Chewed leaves and slime trails | Use organic slug bait or handpick at night |
| Aphids | Sticky residue and distorted leaves | Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Slugs and Snails | Large, irregular holes chewed in leaves; silvery slime trails. | Organic: Use diatomaceous earth or beer traps. Chemical: Apply slug bait pellets containing iron phosphate or metaldehyde. |
| Slugs and snails | Large ragged holes eaten through the broad leaves | Clear damp debris around the crown and trap or pick at night from early spring |
| Powdery Mildew | White, powdery patches on leaves, especially in late summer. | Improve air circulation. Organic: Spray with neem oil or a baking soda solution. Chemical: Apply a fungicide labeled for powdery mildew. |
| Powdery mildew | White powdery coating on leaves | Improve air circulation and apply fungicide |
| Root rot | Wilting and blackened roots | Ensure well-draining soil and reduce watering |
Making more Ligularia
Division
- Dig up mature plants in early spring or fall.
- Carefully separate clumps into smaller sections.
- Replant divisions immediately at same depth.
- Water thoroughly and mulch to retain moisture.
Seed
- Tuck seeds into moist soil in early spring.
- Cover lightly with soil and keep moist.
- Germination occurs in 2-4 weeks.
- Thin seedlings to promote healthy growth.
Ligularia questions
How many types of Ligularia are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 11 distinct Ligularia varieties. The most popular — ranked by 216 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Ligularia grow in?
Across its varieties, Ligularia covers USDA Zones 4–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Ligularia bloom?
Most Ligularia varieties bloom in late summer, mid to late summer, late summer. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Ligularia should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.