Leopard plant 'Palmatiloba' Ligularia × yoshizoeana 'Palmatiloba'
ABOUT
'Palmatiloba' is a clump-forming perennial with long stalked rounded leaves to 20cm long, deeply divided into broad coarsely-toothed lobes. Bright, deep-yellow flowers to 10cm wide in flat-topped sprays to 1m highfrom midsummer to late summer or early autumn
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Leopard Plant, Ragwort, Golden Ray, Golden Groundsel
Common names
Ligularia × yoshizoeana 'Palmatiloba'.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
3 feet (0.91 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
Varies
Native area
Japan
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Provides visual interest in a garden with its unique palmate-lobed leaves and striking yellow flowers.
- Habitat Enrichment: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing local biodiversity.
- Moisture Lover: Thrives in wet conditions making it suitable for bog gardens or waterside plantings.
- Shade Tolerance: Can grow in partial shade, offering design options for less sunny garden areas.
- Large Foliage: Offers a textural presence in the garden, which can be used to create contrast with plants that have finer foliage.
- Dramatic Blooms: Its tall flower spikes can be used as a focal point or to add vertical interest in mixed borders.
- Naturalizing Effect: Can spread to form large clumps, which can help in creating a natural, less structured garden look.
- Seasonal Interest: Provides late summer interest when many other plants have finished blooming.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it requires minimal care beyond regular watering in dry spells.
- Cold Hardy: Resistant to cold temperatures, making it suitable for planting in a variety of climates.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ligularia 'Palmatiloba', commonly known as leopard plant, can be used in floral arrangements, especially when only foliage is desired to add a dramatic, tropical flair due to its broad and palmate leaves.
- In shady pond edges or water gardens, the leopard plant can be planted to create a lush, waterside look with its large leaves and to help stabilize the soil with its root system.
- Due to its height and distinctive foliage, the leopard plant can be used as a natural backdrop for photographing smaller garden plants and sculptures.
- The leaves of the leopard plant can be used as a natural mulch to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds when fallen and left in garden beds.
- The large leaves of leopard plant can be utilized in garden art projects as natural molds for casting concrete stepping stones or decorative plaques.
- For educational purposes, the leopard plant can serve as an example in botany classes to study morphological characteristics of the Asteraceae family.
- In theme gardens, such as a dinosaur or prehistoric-themed garden, the leopard plant's bold foliage might give an ancient, primeval forest ambiance.
- As a companion plant in vegetable gardens, the leopard plant can provide shade to lower growing, shade-loving plants that require indirect light or cooler temperatures.
- The leopard plant can add to sensory gardens with its unique texture and visual appearance, offering an engaging experience for visitors.
- In large outdoor pots, leopard plant can be used as a 'thriller' component in a 'thriller, filler, spiller' design scheme, serving as the eye-catching center of attention.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Ligularia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Ligularia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Transformation: Ligularia, also known as Leopard Plant, often symbolizes transformation due to its large, bold leaves which can dramatically change the landscape or garden design where they are planted, representing the impact of change in our lives.
- Adaptability: As a plant that thrives in both sun and shade, the Leopard Plant represents adaptability and the ability to thrive in various conditions, much like how one must adapt to life’s changing circumstances.
- Creativity: The Leopard Plant's unique foliage and striking appearance can symbolize creativity, inspiring gardeners and plant enthusiasts to think outside of the box in their own creative endeavors.
- Resilience: Given its hardy nature and ability to bounce back from environmental stress, the Leopard Plant can be seen as a symbol of resilience and the capacity to recover from challenges.
WaterThe Leopard Plant prefers consistently moist soil, so it's important to water it regularly, especially during dry periods. An ideal watering schedule would be giving the plant about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, which translates to approximately 0.62 to 0.93 gallons for an average-sized plant. It's best to water deeply to encourage root growth, but avoid waterlogging the soil. During the warmer months, you might need to water it twice a week, while in cooler months, once a week should suffice. Always check the top inch of the soil before watering; if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
LightThe Leopard Plant thrives in partial shade, where it can receive filtered sunlight or dappled shade. A spot under a tree or an area that gets morning sun and afternoon shade would be ideal. Direct afternoon sunlight can be too intense and may scorch the leaves, so it is best to avoid placing the Leopard Plant in full sun.
TemperatureThe Leopard Plant performs optimally at temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 40 degrees Fahrenheit but should not be exposed to frost. To ensure healthy growth, try to maintain the plant in the ideal temperature range and protect it from extreme temperatures.
PruningPruning the Leopard Plant helps maintain its shape and remove any damaged or diseased foliage. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back old leaves to make way for fresh growth. Deadheading, or removing spent flowers, can promote additional blooming. Pruning once a year is typically enough for this plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Leopard Plant requires rich, well-draining soil with a high organic matter content. A blend of peat, compost, and perlite or pine bark works well to create the needed structure. The pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingLeopard Plants don't require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2 to 3 years. It's best to repot in spring before the onset of the growing season, allowing the plant to establish in its new container.
Humidity & MistingLeopard Plants thrive in high humidity conditions, ideally between 60% and 80%. They are more resilient to lower humidity than some tropical plants but benefit from a moist environment.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect sunlight and maintain high humidity.
Outdoor
Partial shade, sheltered location, keep soil consistently moist.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Ligularia × yoshizoeana 'Palmatiloba', commonly known as Leopard Plant, begins with seed germination, which takes place in a moist, well-drained soil with partial shade. Seedlings develop into rosettes of large, rounded leaves that are deeply lobed. As the plant matures, it forms a clump with robust stems that rise above the foliage. In summer to early fall, tall flower spikes produce bright yellow, daisy-like flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, seeds develop which can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow, continuing the cycle. In winter, the Leopard Plant enters a period of dormancy, dying back to the ground, to resurface again in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring to early summer
Propogation: The Ligularia × yoshizoeana 'Palmatiloba', commonly known as leopard plant, is typically propagated by division, which is the most popular method for its reproduction. This should ideally be carried out in the spring as new growth begins, which provides a full growing season for the plant to establish. To propagate by division, carefully lift the plant from the ground using a spade, ensuring to keep a good amount of soil around the roots. The clump should then be divided into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and several shoots. Once divided, the sections can be replanted at the same depth they were originally growing, spaced approximately 12 to 15 inches (30 to 38 centimeters) apart to allow ample room for growth. Water the new plants thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil and encourage rooting.
