Ligularia dentata 'BRITT-MARIE CRAWFORD'

Ligularia is probably too beautiful to worry about its common name. There are so many of them such as leopard plant, golden groundsel, ray flower, ragwort, even tractor seat, and still mostly everybody calls it ligularia. This species comes from China where it is found in ditches, wet meadows, along water streams and woodland margins with enough moisture and deep, fertile soil.

Among the tall varieties Britt-Marie Crawford is possibly the darkest coloured leopard plant when it comes to foliage colour. It makes up to 30 cm wide, rounded to kidney shaped, deep mahogany purple-brown leaves that are serrated at margins and rise atop sturdy stems of the same colour. From midsummer open 4-5 cm wide, rich golden yellow, daisy-like flowers. They dramatically contrast with the dark foliage colour and provide a cheerful feeling in late summer.

Plants grow some 60-100 cm tall, conditions pending, and look great combined with fine-leaved perennials of lighter colours. The variety was found as a seedling selection of an older variety Othello by Cpt. James Crawford from Fife in Scotland in 2001. Patents: PP16113 (USA – 2005) and EU 12794 (Europe – 2004).

Ligularia loves moist and wet sites. Use it along riverbanks, at ponds and garden lakes, or grow it in a common border which will be regularly irrigated since the soil must never dry out. Dark-leaved varieties demand full sun for the deepest foliage colour but withstand partial shade where most bottom leaves will lose purple-brown shades. Provide some protection from slugs and snails which love its thick leaves. Hardy to about -34 °C (USDA zone 4).

Last update 04-09-2021