Leopard plant Ligularia 'The Rocket'
ABOUT
Ligularia 'The Rocket' is a striking perennial plant known for its bold foliage and eye-catching flower spires. The leaves are large, broad, and often heart or kidney-shaped with a deep, glossy green color that sometimes exhibits a hint of purple, especially beneath. Each leaf is arranged in a rosette, creating a lush and dense clump that adds a tropical feel to the garden. The texture of the leaves is somewhat leathery and toothed along the edges, giving them a rugged appearance. Come summer, Ligularia 'The Rocket' becomes even more dramatic as it sends up tall flower spikes that soar above the foliage. These towering flowers are composed of numerous small, bright yellow, daisy-like blooms tightly clustered along the spike, creating a bold and vertical element in the garden. The contrast between the dark foliage and the bright flowers makes 'The Rocket' a focal point in any planting. The overall impression of Ligularia 'The Rocket' is of a robust and imposing plant that combines the lushness of its foliage with the vertical interest of its flower spikes. Its appearance adds a sense of majesty and architectural structure, making it a popular choice for gardeners looking to create impact with both foliage and blooms.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Rocket Ligularia, Leopard Plant.
Common names
Senecio 'The Rocket', Farfugium 'The Rocket'
ToxicityTo humans
The Rocket is not commonly known for its toxicity to humans. However, as with many plants, individual sensitivities can vary, and it is generally recommended to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants. If significant quantities are ingested, it could potentially cause stomach upset or other digestive issues.
To pets
The Rocket is not commonly known for its toxicity to pets. However, pets, particularly cats and dogs, may experience adverse effects from consuming ornamental plants. If a pet ingests a large amount of The Rocket, it could potentially lead to gastrointestinal discomfort or other digestive issues. It is always prudent to keep an eye on pets around plants and to consult a veterinarian if any unusual behavior or symptoms occur after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
4-6 feet (1.2-1.8 meters)
Spread
2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Ligularia 'The Rocket', commonly known as The Rocket, produces flowers that attract butterflies and bees, enhancing pollination in the garden.
- Ornamental value: The striking spires of yellow flowers and large, serrated foliage provide dramatic visual interest to garden landscapes.
- Shade tolerance: It thrives in shady areas where many other plants struggle, making it ideal for woodland gardens or shaded borders.
- Moisture-loving: The Rocket is well-suited for wet or damp areas of the garden, such as alongside ponds or streams.
- Low maintenance: While it prefers moist soil, once established, it requires minimal care, making it a good choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance plants.
- Seasonal interest: It has a long blooming period from mid to late summer, providing color and interest throughout the season.
- Companion planting: Its tall vertical growth habit and large leaves make it an excellent backdrop for other moisture-loving perennials and ferns.
- Deer and rabbit resistance: The plant is generally resistant to browsing by deer and rabbits, reducing the need for protective measures.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Ligularia 'The Rocket' can be used as a natural pond or streamside planting because of its affinity for moist soils, adding height and texture to water garden designs.
- The leaves of the plant are large and can be used in floral arrangements or as a natural backdrop in photography, especially for capturing the contrast with smaller flowers.
- The tall and showy flower spikes of Ligularia 'The Rocket' can be dried and used in creating permanent arrangements or crafts, maintaining their form for an extended period.
- In shady garden areas, the lush foliage of Ligularia 'The Rocket' can provide a deep green cover to underplant lighting fixtures, helping to blend technology into the natural environment.
- The plant's statuesque presence can be used as a natural privacy screen in gardens, growing in clusters to create green "walls" separating different outdoor spaces.
- Garden educators might employ Ligularia 'The Rocket' to teach about pollination, as it is attractive to butterflies and bees, making it a dynamic example in wildlife gardening sessions.
- Ligularia 'The Rocket' can be planted in large public gardens or parks as a 'wayfinder' plant due to its height and distinctive appearance helping visitors navigate the space.
- The seeds of Ligularia 'The Rocket' can be collected and used to create educational materials about plant reproduction and lifecycle for school garden programs.
- In areas with heavy deer populations, Ligularia 'The Rocket' can be planted as it is generally deer-resistant and can reduce the need for additional protective measures in the garden.
- The contrasting colors and textures of Ligularia 'The Rocket' can be utilized in art projects, such as leaf painting or nature rubbings, to educate about the diversity of plant structures.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Rocket is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Rocket is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Determination: The tall, upright spikes of 'The Rocket' resemble rockets ready for launch, symbolizing determination and the drive to reach higher.
- Optimism: The bright yellow flowers of the Ligularia 'The Rocket' bring a sense of sunshine and cheer, representing optimism and a positive outlook.
- Transformation: As the plant emerges boldly from the ground and transforms into a towering stalk of flowers, it symbolizes personal growth and transformation.
- Strength: The robust nature of 'The Rocket', with its large leaves and strong stems, stands for strength and resilience in the face of challenges.
WaterThe Leopard Plant typically needs consistent moisture, so it's important to keep the soil evenly moist without letting it become waterlogged. Water the Leopard Plant deeply once a week, providing about 1-2 inches of water each time. During hotter, drier periods, you may need to water more frequently, especially if you notice the leaves wilting. Provide approximately one gallon of water for smaller plants and up to 2 to 3 gallons for larger, established specimens. Always check the top inch of soil before watering to ensure it's not already saturated.
LightThe Leopard Plant thrives in partial to full shade, so it's best to position it in a spot that receives filtered sunlight or dappled shade. Avoid exposing the plant to the harsh afternoon sun as it may scorch the leaves. A location that gets morning light and is shaded in the afternoon would be ideal for this plant.
TemperatureThe Leopard Plant prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F for optimal growth but can tolerate a range from 40°F to 80°F. It's sensitive to extreme heat and cold, so in areas where temperatures drop below freezing, it's vital to provide protection or bring potted plants indoors. The Leopard Plant should not be subjected to temperatures above 80°F for extended periods, as it can cause stress to the plant.
PruningPrune the Leopard Plant to remove dead or damaged leaves and maintain its appearance. Pruning is also beneficial to promote bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Generally, a light pruning once a year is sufficient to keep the plant healthy and tidy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Rocket flourishes in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.0. A hearty mix would be equal parts garden soil, peat moss, and perlite to ensure proper moisture retention and drainage.
RepottingThe Rocket should be repotted every 2 to 3 years or when it outgrows its current container, preferably in the spring as the plant enters a period of active growth.
Humidity & MistingThe Rocket prefers a high humidity environment, typically above 60%, which encourages lush foliage and healthy growth without additional watering concerns.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place The Rocket in bright, indirect light and ensure high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant The Rocket in partial shade with moist soil.
Hardiness zone
The Rocket is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4-8.
Life cycleThe Rocket' begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon sowing in late winter to early spring, and with suitable conditions of moisture and temperature, will germinate. The seedling then develops into a rosette of large, kidney-shaped leaves, establishing a strong root system. As it enters the vegetative stage, it produces more leaves and gains height and size, typically forming clumps that can be divided in spring or autumn. In mid to late summer, the plant reaches the flowering stage, sending up tall, spike-like racemes with bright yellow, rocket-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After blooming, the plant sets seed, which can be collected for propagation or left to self-sow. In the fall, above-ground parts of 'The Rocket' die back to the ground as it enters dormancy, with the roots surviving the winter to begin the life cycle anew in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Late summer
Ligularia 'The Rocket', commonly referred to as Leopard Plant, is best propagated through division. The ideal time for this is in spring, just as the plant begins to show new growth. To divide a Leopard Plant, carefully dig up the entire clump and gently separate it into smaller sections, making sure each section has a portion of the root system along with some shoots. It's important not to let the roots dry out during the process, so have a spot prepared for immediate replanting. Replant the divisions at the same depth as the original plant and water them in well. This method not only helps gardeners increase their stock of plants but also invigorates older clumps that might have become woody or less vigorous over time.
