Leopard Plant Ligularia 'Britt Marie Crawford' (PBR)
ABOUT
Ligularia 'Britt Marie Crawford' is a striking perennial known for its bold foliage and daisy-like flowers. The leaves of this plant are quite distinctive; they are large, kidney-shaped, and have a glossy, deep purple to almost black color with a ragged edge, providing a dramatic contrast in the garden. In brighter light, the leaves can take on a more bronze hue, while the undersides often maintain a rich purple tone. During the blooming season, 'Britt Marie Crawford' produces tall, slender spikes that tower above the foliage, topped with bright, golden-orange, daisy-like flowers that are nestled into lush green bracts. The flower clusters create a vibrant display that adds a splash of color to the darker foliage beneath. These blooms are attractive to pollinators such as butterflies and bees, adding not only beauty but also ecological value to a garden setting. Overall, the plant exudes a lush, tropical feel despite being hardy in many climates. The contrast between the dark leaves and the luminous flowers makes Ligularia 'Britt Marie Crawford' a stunning choice for adding depth and vivid color to partly shaded garden areas.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Asteraceae.
Synonyms
Leopard Plant, Ragwort, Golden Groundsel.
Common names
Ligularia 'Britt Marie Crawford' (PBR).
- Toxicity
To humans
The plant commonly known as Leopard Plant, specifically the Ligularia 'Britt Marie Crawford' (PBR), is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There is limited information regarding its toxicity; however, as with many plants, it is generally not advisable to ingest any part of this ornamental plant due to the potential risk of gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions.
To pets
For pets, the Leopard Plant, particularly the Ligularia 'Britt Marie Crawford' (PBR), is not typically listed as a toxic plant. However, caution should still be exercised to prevent pets from ingesting the plant. If a pet does consume part of the plant, there could be a risk of mild gastrointestinal upset, as is common with the ingestion of non-food plants by animals. It is always prudent to keep an eye on your pets and contact a vet if you observe unusual symptoms following ingestion of any garden plants.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Purple
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet [0.91 meters]
Spread
2 feet [0.61 meters]
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Asia
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Aesthetic Appeal: The Ligularia 'Britt Marie Crawford' features striking dark purple leaves with a glossy texture, providing a dramatic display in garden settings.
- Attracts Wildlife: This plant can attract butterflies and other pollinators to the garden, enhancing biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care, making it a suitable choice for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Tolerates Wet Soil: It thrives in moist locations where other plants might struggle, making it ideal for waterside plantings or bog gardens.
- Shade Tolerance: The plant performs well in partial shade, offering a solution for landscaping in less sunny areas.
- Seasonal Interest: It gives seasonal interest to gardens with its late summer to early fall blooms of daisy-like, orange-yellow flowers.
- Drought Resistance: While it prefers moist conditions, it can also endure periods of drought once fully established.
- Deer Resistance: The foliage is typically not favored by deer, reducing the likelihood of damage in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Ligularia 'Britt Marie Crawford' can be used in container gardening to add a dramatic touch with its large, dark burgundy leaves.
- This variety of Ligularia can serve as a natural pond or stream edge plant, tolerating moist conditions and complementing water features.
- Due to their striking foliage, Ligularia plants can be used as a backdrop for photographing smaller plants or garden accents.
- The plant's bold foliage can be used in floral arrangements as a long-lasting and vibrant greenery element.
- Ligularia 'Britt Marie Crawford' is sometimes used as a natural dye source, with the foliage imparting subtle color to fabrics.
- In shaded garden theater settings, this plant provides an excellent living decor due to its theatrical leaf shapes and colors.
- For educational purposes, Ligularia can be used to demonstrate the concept of shade gardening and the importance of foliage plants in landscape design.
- The plant's leaves serve as a natural mulch when they fall, decomposing to enrich the soil with organic matter.
- In large landscaping projects, it can be used to quickly fill in areas and create a feeling of lushness, due to its rapid growth in the right conditions.
- Ligularia 'Britt Marie Crawford' acts as a living umbrella for smaller shade-loving perennials, shielding them from direct sunlight.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Leopard Plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Leopard Plant is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Resilience: Ligularia, also known as "Leopard plant," is known for its robust nature and ability to thrive in damp, shady environments, symbolizing the ability to thrive despite difficult conditions.
- Uniqueness: The Leopard plant's distinctive foliage and dark, maroon undersides make it a unique addition to any garden, representing individuality and standing out in a crowd.
- Transformation: The Leopard plant undergoes a striking transformation when its yellow, daisy-like flowers bloom, symbolizing change and renewal.
- Attention-grabbing: With its bold leaves and tall flower spikes, Leopard plants are eye-catching, symbolizing the idea of grabbing attention and being noticed.
- Water
The Leopard Plant should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the weather conditions, to ensure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. It's best to water this plant in the morning to allow any excess water on the foliage to evaporate throughout the day. Aim to provide about 1 gallon of water for each watering session, making sure to adjust the amount depending on rainfall and temperature. During hot, dry spells, you may need to water more frequently, especially if the plant is in a container which tends to dry out faster.
- Light
The Leopard Plant prefers partial shade to full shade, thriving particularly well in spots that receive morning light with protection from the harsh afternoon sun. It can tolerate some sun, but too much can scorch its leaves. The ideal location is one that offers dappled sunlight or light shade throughout the day to mimic its natural woodland habitat.
- Temperature
The Leopard Plant thrives in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature down to about 40°F but should be protected from frost. The plant prefers cooler temperatures during the summer months and benefits from the warmer range of the temperature spectrum in the spring and fall.
- Pruning
Pruning the Leopard Plant is generally done to remove any damaged or dead leaves and to maintain its shape. It's best to prune in the spring or after the plant has flowered. Deadheading, or the removal of spent flowers, encourages more blooms and is recommended throughout the blooming season.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Leopard plant prefers a well-draining soil rich in organic matter that can retain moisture. The ideal soil pH range for this plant is between 5.5 and 7.0. A mix of loam, peat, and compost can provide the required nutrients and environment.
- Repotting
Leopard plant does not need frequent repotting; repot every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its pot. It's best to repot in early spring before the new growth starts.
- Humidity & Misting
Leopard plant thrives in high humidity conditions. Maintain around 60% humidity for optimal growth, although it can tolerate lower humidity levels without adverse effects.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright indirect light and keep soil moist in a well-draining pot.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, moist ground, and shelter from high winds.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA.
- Life cycle
The life of Ligularia 'Britt Marie Crawford', commonly known as Leopard Plant, begins with seed germination, occurring in moist, warm soil conditions. After the seedlings emerge, they enter a vegetative growth phase, developing large, heart-shaped, deep bronze-purple leaves that form a robust, clumping perennial. As the plant matures, usually in mid to late summer, it sends up tall flower spikes bearing bright, daisy-like, orange-yellow flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, seeds are produced, which can be dispersed to generate new plants, completing the reproductive cycle. In autumn, the plant's above-ground foliage dies back with frost, but the root system remains alive and enters a period of dormancy through the winter. With the return of warmer temperatures in spring, the plant breaks dormancy, initiating a new cycle of growth and reproduction.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Early spring
The Ligularia 'Britt Marie Crawford', commonly known as the Leopard Plant, is generally propagated through division, which is best carried out in spring. To propagate by division, first carefully dig around the clump of the plant, preserving as many roots as possible. Gently lift the plant from the ground, ensuring minimal disturbance to the root system. Utilizing a shovel or a sharp knife, divide the clump into smaller sections, making sure that each section has at least one growth point or bud. Replant each section at the same depth they were originally growing, spacing divisions about 18 inches (approximately 45 centimeters) apart to allow adequate room for growth. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations. This method stimulates rejuvenation and ensures healthy, vigorous plants that will continue to thrive and bloom.