WashingtonGardener: Leopard Plant (Ligularia) Plant Profile

Wednesday, February 04, 2026

Leopard Plant (Ligularia) Plant Profile

Leopard Plant (Ligularia species) is a perennial plant. The foliage is a glossy dark-green with a purple underside. The dramatic leaves are large and round or heart shaped. It is also known commonly as tractor seat plant or ragwort.

The daisy-like, bright-yellow or orange flower are held on tall stalks that bloom in early- to mid-summer.

It is native to Asia and is hardy to USDA zones 4 to 8.

It can reach 5 feet high and 4 feet wide.

Ligularia is closely related to Seneceo and Farfugium.

Hummingbirds love it as well as various kinds of bees and butterflies.

Leopard plant is deer-resistant, but the foliage can be damaged by slugs and snails.

It grows best in rich, damp, and humusy soils in part shade to full shade. Plant it in a location sheltered from winds and out of the hot afternoon sun.

Ligularia will wilt during the summer heat, but quickly recovers after a deep watering.

To propagate Ligularia, divide it in the early spring.

Popular cultivars include: 'King Kong', ‘The Rocket’ and ‘Britt-Marie Crawford’.

Leopard Plant: You Can Grow That!

The video was produced by Washington Gardener Magazine.

Audio, Video. Photos, and Text by Kathy Jentz

Editing by Aicha Bangoura

➤ If you enjoy this video, please give it a thumbs up and subscribe to our Youtube channel (thank you!)

➤Remember to TURN ON notifications to know when our new videos are out

➤ FIND Washington Gardener Magazine ONLINE

~ WashingtonGardener.blogspot.com

~ http://twitter.com/WDCGardener