Ligularia D. ‘Othello’ 1.5Gal

Latin Name: Ligularia dentata 'Othello'

Common Name: Othello Bigleaf Ligularia / Leopard Plant

Zones: 4–8

Height & Spread: 2–3 feet tall (to 3–4 feet with flower spikes), spreading 2–3 feet wide

Descriptive Features: A dramatic, bold-foliaged Ligularia valued for its striking, deep mahogany-purple leaves — large, rounded to kidney-shaped and coarsely toothed, with the purple coloring especially vivid on the leaf undersides and along the sturdy purple-tinted stems. Forms a substantial, architectural clump that provides strong textural contrast against the finer foliage of ferns, astilbes, and grasses. In mid to late summer, bright orange-yellow, daisy-like flower clusters rise on tall stems well above the foliage, creating vivid color contrast against the dark purple leaves and drawing butterflies and bees. Requires consistently moist, rich soil and a site sheltered from wind and strong midday sun — the large leaves wilt dramatically in heat or dry conditions, even with adequate soil moisture, though they typically recover by evening. Deer-resistant, but watch for slug and snail damage on the foliage. An excellent choice as a bold specimen or focal point for shaded borders, woodland gardens, or streamside, pond, and bog plantings in part to full shade with rich, evenly moist soil.