Contents
Description
Ligularia Japonica, also known as Japanese Ligularia, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Asteraceae. It is native to Japan, Korea, and China and grows in damp, shady areas such as stream banks and forest floors. It is an attractive plant that is grown for its large, glossy leaves and showy yellow flowers.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Ligularia |
Appearance
Ligularia Japonica can grow up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It has large, heart-shaped leaves that are a glossy dark green color and can be up to 8 inches wide. In the summer, the plant produces tall spikes of bright yellow daisy-like flowers that can reach up to 3 feet in height. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies and can add a pop of color to shady areas of the garden.
Care Guide
Water
Ligularia Japonica prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause the leaves to wilt and the plant to suffer.
Fertilization
Fertilize Ligularia Japonica in the spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause the plant to produce excessive foliage at the expense of flowers.
Soil
Ligularia Japonica prefers rich, moist soil that is well-draining. It can tolerate slightly acidic to neutral soil pH levels.
Sunlight
Ligularia Japonica prefers partial to full shade and can be grown in areas that receive only a few hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones
Ligularia Japonica is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Ligularia Japonica is generally pest and disease resistant, but it can be susceptible to slugs and snails. These pests can be controlled with the use of slug and snail bait or by handpicking them off the plant.
Habitat
Ligularia Japonica is native to damp, shady areas in Japan, Korea, and China. It can be found growing along stream banks and on forest floors.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Ligularia Japonica be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Ligularia Japonica can be grown in containers as long as the soil is kept consistently moist and the plant is given partial to full shade.
Q: When should Ligularia Japonica be divided?
A: Ligularia Japonica should be divided in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. Divide the plant every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding.
Q: Does Ligularia Japonica attract pollinators?
A: Yes, Ligularia Japonica’s bright yellow flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies.
Q: Can Ligularia Japonica tolerate dry soil conditions?
A: No, Ligularia Japonica prefers consistently moist soil and can suffer if the soil becomes too dry.
Related Plants
– Ligularia Dentata- Ligularia Stenocephala- Ligularia Fischeri- Ligularia Veitchiana
References
– “Ligularia japonica” – Missouri Botanical Garden- “Ligularia japonica” – Plant Finder – Garden.org- “Ligularia japonica” – Fine Gardening Magazine
