Species

Ligularia dentataBigleaf Ligularia

4 other cultivars

perennial

BBQ Banana Ligularia

Ligularia dentata 'BBQ Banana'

The Story

Plant Bio

Ligularia dentata is a clump-forming, bold-textured herbaceous perennial native to damp woodlands and stream margins in Asia. The species is characterized by large, leathery, heart-shaped leaves with jagged margins and tall, vertical stems bearing clusters of yellow, daisy-like flower heads in midsummer.

'BBQ Banana' is distinguished by its deep chocolate-brown and bronze new foliage that matures to dark green with dark purple undersides and veins. The bright, banana-yellow flowers contrast sharply against the dark burgundy-brown flowering stems.

Uses & Benefits:

Bold, dark chocolate-brown foliage provides dramatic structural contrast in shaded gardens, topped by bright yellow flowers.

Thrives in wet, boggy soils where other perennials struggle, making it ideal for pond edges and damp woodland clearings.

The midsummer flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other generalist pollinators to shaded areas.

SpeciesLigularia dentataBigleaf Ligularia

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

36"

Width

36"

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

High

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Midsummer – Late summer

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a site in partial to full shade with rich, organic-heavy soil that remains consistently moist.
Incorporate a generous layer of compost or well-rotted manure into the planting hole to improve water retention.
Plant the crown level with the soil surface and water thoroughly to settle the roots.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to conserve soil moisture and keep the root run cool.

Pro Tip

Midday wilting is often a temporary physiological response to transpiration demand in warm weather rather than dry soil; check soil moisture before watering, but never allow the root zone to dry out completely as drought causes permanent foliage collapse.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep the soil consistently moist to wet at all times.
Provide shade from hot afternoon sun to prevent severe foliage scorch.
Apply organic mulch annually in spring to retain moisture.
Cut back dead foliage to the ground in late winter.

Don't

Do not allow the soil to dry out, as plants collapse rapidly under dry conditions.
Do not plant in full sun or exposed, windy locations.
Do not prune into old green leafless wood during the growing season.
Do not plant in dry, sandy soils without heavy organic modification.

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bog gardensPond marginsShade bordersWoodland gardens

Companion Plants

Hosta Astilbe Rodgersia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

BBQ Banana Ligularia questions

What zones can BBQ Banana Ligularia grow in?

BBQ Banana Ligularia is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is BBQ Banana Ligularia deer resistant?

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

When does BBQ Banana Ligularia bloom?

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

Does BBQ Banana Ligularia need full sun?

BBQ Banana Ligularia does best in part shade.