
Othello Bigleaf Ligularia
Ligularia dentata 'Othello'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
40 inches
Width
36 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Water
High
Humidity
Prefers high humidity
Lifespan
Long-lived perennial
Native To
China, Japan
Toxicity
Contains low-toxicity alkaloids; best to keep away from pets that chew on plants.
The Story
Plant Bio
Ligularia dentata, or Bigleaf Ligularia, are bold, clump-forming perennials prized for their large, rounded leaves and daisy-like flowers. They are best suited for moist, shady areas of the garden where they make a dramatic statement. 'Othello' is a classic, award-winning cultivar known for its large, kidney-shaped leaves that emerge deep purple and mature to a rich green on top while retaining their purple undersides. It produces clusters of golden-orange flowers in mid to late summer.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Choose a location with morning sun and afternoon shade
- Amend the soil heavily with compost to retain moisture
- Dig a hole twice the width of the plant's container
- Set the plant so the crown is level with the soil surface
- Backfill with the amended soil and water in very well
- Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch to keep the roots cool and moist
Pro Tip
To prevent leaf scorch and wilting, provide consistent moisture and shelter from hot afternoon sun and strong winds.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- 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
Don't
- Do not let the soil dry out; it will wilt severely and may scorch
- Avoid planting in full, hot afternoon sun
- Don't worry about occasional wilting on hot days if the soil is moist
- Avoid planting in sandy, quick-draining soil
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Othello Bigleaf Ligularia questions
What zones can Othello Bigleaf Ligularia grow in?
Othello 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 Othello Bigleaf Ligularia deer resistant?
Yes — Othello Bigleaf Ligularia is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Othello Bigleaf Ligularia bloom?
Othello 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 Othello Bigleaf Ligularia need full sun?
Othello Bigleaf Ligularia does best in part shade.
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