Northwest Blooms · Perennials
Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona'
Desdemona Leopard Plant
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Height
- 24 to 36 inches
- Width
- 18 to 30 inches
- Flower color
- Clusters of orange-yellow, daisy-like blooms
- Foliage color
- Large, rounded leaves that emerge with a purplish-red tint, maturing to deep green with purple undersides
- Bloom time
- Mid-summer to early fall
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Water
- Prefers moist to wet soil; ideal for boggy areas or near water features
- Maintenance
- Low; remove spent flowers to maintain appearance; division every 3 to 4 years to rejuvenate
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 3 to 8
- Wildlife
- Attracts butterflies; deer-resistant
About this plant
Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona' is a perennial with large, rounded, dark green leaves that form a bold, basal rosette. In late summer to early fall, the plant produces clusters of bright yellow, daisy-like flowers on tall, upright stems, making it a great choice for adding a splash of color to shaded or woodland gardens.
Native to East Asia, 'Desdemona' thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers partial to full shade, making it an excellent option for water gardens or rain gardens. 'Desdemona' is also appreciated for its ability to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing its appeal in wildlife-friendly landscapes. With its robust growth and late-season blooms, it offers lasting interest in the garden with minimal care requirements.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Pollinator Gardens · Rain Gardens · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Daylilies · Japanese anemones · Bleeding hearts · Catmint · Heucheras · Lady's mantle
Design tip
Fall bloom is its strength, and it earns a place near a path or seating area used late in the year. It takes sun or light shade, which makes it useful along the changing light of a bed edge or a partly shaded border.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the Oregon trial garden at Monrovia.
