Ligularia dentata 'Othello'
perennial RHS Award

Othello Bigleaf Ligularia

Ligularia dentata 'Othello'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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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:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesThis is a premier foliage plant for the shade garden. Its huge, dramatically colored leaves create a bold, tropical effect and provide a stunning contrast to fine-textured plants like ferns and grasses. The bright golden flowers are a cheerful bonus.
Practical UsesThe large leaves can effectively shade the ground, helping to suppress weeds and keep the soil cool for the roots of neighboring plants. It is an excellent problem-solver for perpetually damp or boggy spots in the landscape.
Ecological BenefitsThe large, daisy-like flowers are attractive to bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, providing a late-season nectar source in shady areas where floral resources can be scarce.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Choose a location with morning sun and afternoon shade
  2. Amend the soil heavily with compost to retain moisture
  3. Dig a hole twice the width of the plant's container
  4. Set the plant so the crown is level with the soil surface
  5. Backfill with the amended soil and water in very well
  6. 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

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Dramatic foliage accent in shade gardensBold texture for pond edges and bog gardensStunning specimen for moist woodland settings

Companion Plants

Hosta 'Sum and Substance' Astilbe 'Visions in Pink' Rodgersia aesculifolia Matteuccia struthiopteris (Ostrich Fern) Actaea simplex 'Brunette'

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.

Keep exploring

Grow Othello Bigleaf Ligularia with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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