perennial RHS Award

Desdemona Bigleaf Ligularia

Name: Desdemona Bigleaf Ligularia
Brand: Ligularia
Availability: InStock

Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona'

$31.99

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

40 inches

Width

30 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Water

High

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

China, Japan

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested.

The Story

Plant Bio

Ligularia dentata is a bold, clump-forming perennial prized for its large, rounded leaves and daisy-like flowers. It thrives in moist, shady environments where other plants might struggle. 'Desdemona' is distinguished by its striking foliage, which features deep green topsides and rich purple-maroon undersides and stems. Its golden-orange flowers provide a brilliant contrast.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The plant's bold, architectural foliage and contrasting flowers make it a stunning focal point in shade gardens. The deep purple undersides of 'Desdemona' leaves add a unique color dimension from spring through fall.

Its preference for wet conditions makes it an excellent choice for solving landscaping challenges in poorly drained areas, bog gardens, or along the margins of ponds and streams where few other ornamental plants thrive.

The large, daisy-like flowers are a valuable nectar source for pollinators, particularly butterflies and bees, during the mid to late summer bloom period.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Perennial Farm Marketplace

In Stock$31.99

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Select a location with partial to full shade and rich, moist soil.
Amend soil with compost to improve moisture retention and fertility.
Dig a hole as deep and twice as wide as the root ball.
Position the plant with the crown level with the surrounding soil.
Backfill the hole, gently firming the soil around the roots.
Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture.

Pro Tip

Provide consistent moisture; this plant will wilt dramatically in dry soil or hot sun but recovers quickly once watered.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in a location protected from hot afternoon sun.
Provide regular, deep watering, especially during dry spells.
Mulch heavily to keep roots cool and moist.
Divide clumps in early spring when they become crowded.
Use slug and snail bait or traps as a preventative measure.

Don't

Don't let the soil dry out completely.
Avoid planting in windy sites, which can tatter the large leaves.
Don't plant in poor, sandy, or fast-draining soil.
Avoid overhead watering to help prevent fungal leaf spots.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic foliage accent for shade gardensMoisture-loving bog and pond-side plantingBold texture in woodland settings

Companion Plants

Hosta sieboldiana 'Elegans' Astilbe 'Visions in Pink' Rodgersia pinnata Darmera peltata Matteuccia struthiopteris

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Desdemona Bigleaf Ligularia questions

What zones can Desdemona Bigleaf Ligularia grow in?

Desdemona Bigleaf Ligularia is hardy in USDA Zones 4–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Desdemona Bigleaf Ligularia deer resistant?

Yes — Desdemona Bigleaf Ligularia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Desdemona Bigleaf Ligularia bloom?

Desdemona Bigleaf Ligularia typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Desdemona Bigleaf Ligularia need full sun?

Desdemona Bigleaf Ligularia does best in part shade.