Ligularia dentata aka Leopard Plant

Ligularia dentata, or leopard plant, belongs to the daisy family. This herbaceous perennial forms a clump and loses its leaves in winter. Kew lists its native range from China to Myanmar, plus Honshu in Japan. Gardeners grow it for both its bold leaves and flowers. The name Ligularia clivorum is a synonym.

Plants reach about 3–4 feet [0.9–1.2 metres] in height. RHS gives an upper height of 4.9 feet [1.5 metres]. Clumps spread to about 3–3.3 feet [0.9–1 metre] across. They take two to five years to reach full size. Large, dark green leaves form a dense clump at ground level. Each rounded leaf has a heart-shaped base and a leathery feel. Leaves can exceed 1 foot [0.3 metres] in length. Long crimson stalks hold them above the ground.

Thick flower stems rise above the leaves and bear few leaves themselves. The stems have a crimson tint. Loose corymbs carry orange-yellow flowerheads with brownish centres. Each daisy-like head spans about 0.16–0.25 feet [0.05–0.08 metres]. Flowering dates vary between the sources. Missouri Botanical Garden lists June and July. RHS describes blooms from midsummer into early autumn. Both the broad leaves and bright flowers give the plant garden value.

Choose rich soil with plenty of organic matter. Keep it moist throughout the growing season; it must not dry out. The plant also tolerates wet or boggy ground. RHS lists clay, loam, sand and chalk as suitable soils. It accepts acid, neutral and alkaline conditions. Part shade suits it well, and it can tolerate deeper shade. RHS also allows sun, but heat and sun can cause wilting. Afternoon shade helps in places with hot summers. Cool summers suit it best. Give deep, regular water during hot spells, and shelter from drying winds. Its hardiness ratings are USDA 3–8 and RHS H6.

Use groups beside ponds or streams, or in damp woodland gardens. It also suits rain gardens and moist, shaded borders. Slugs and snails can damage the leaves. Neither source reports major disease problems. Leaves may droop on hot afternoons despite moist soil, then recover overnight. Routine pruning is not needed, though plants can be cut back after flowering. Sow seed in spring or autumn. Divide clumps in spring or after the flowers fade.