Ligularia King Kong (Leopard Plant)
Ligularia ‘King Kong’ (Leopard Plant) is a robust herbaceous perennial noted for its large, up to 16 in. across (40 cm), glossy, black-purple to dark burgundy-purple leaves.
Ligularia 'King Kong' (Leopard Plant) is a robust herbaceous perennial noted for its large, up to 16 in. across (40 cm), glossy, black-purple to dark burgundy-purple leaves. The leathery leaves are thick with an undulating leaf edge. In midsummer to early fall, the plant sends up purple stems topped by large clusters of brilliant golden-orange daisies. This Leopard Plant is useful to make a bold statement along streams and ponds, around pools or in bog gardens.
- Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm).
- Performs best in full sun with some shade at mid-day or with dappled shade all day, in deep, fertile, reliably moist soils. Protect from strong, drying winds
- Leopard Plant is generally disease free. Keep an eye out for slugs and snails.
- Cut back after flowering
- Propagate by division in spring or after flowering.
Requirements
| Hardiness | 4 – 9 |
|---|---|
| Heat Zones | 1 – 8 |
| Climate Zones | 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17 |
| Plant Type | Perennials |
| Plant Family | Ligularia |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade |
| Season of Interest | Summer (Mid,Late)Fall |
| Height | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
| Spread | 3' – 4' (90cm – 120cm) |
| Spacing | 36″ – 40″ (90cm – 100cm) |
| Water Needs | High |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam |
| Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Poorly Drained |
| Characteristics | Cut Flowers, Showy |
| Tolerance | Wet Soil |
| Attracts | Butterflies |
| Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Bog Gardens, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens |
| Garden Styles | Informal and Cottage |