Ligularia ‘The Rocket’ (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Summer
Soil: Reliably moist
Eventual Height: 1.8m
Eventual Spread: 90cm
Hardiness: 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a
Family: Asteraceae
Ligularia przewalskii ‘The Rocket’ is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with a clump forming, upright habit. Its dark green leaves are cordate with serrate margins, up to 18cm long and 10cm broad. Its stems are black. Its yellow flowers appear on an upright stem in dense racemes.
Ligularia ‘The Rocket’ Flower (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Ligularia przewalskii ‘The Rocket’, commonly known as the Leopard Plant, is native to central China. In its native habitat it grows on stream banks, forest margins and grassy slops. Ligularia przewalskii ‘The Rocket’ is synonymous with Ligularia ‘The Rocket’.
The etymological root of the binomial name Ligularia is derived from the Latin ligula meaning ‘shoe strap’, in reference to its flowers. Przewalskii is named after Nicholas Przewalski (1839-1888), a Russian/ Polish geographer and explorer.
The landscape architect may find Ligularia przewalskii ‘The Rocket’ useful as an attractive ornamental marginal or bog plant. This perennial should be planted in a location away from strong winds.
Ecologically, Ligularia przewalskii ‘The Rocket’ flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.
The Royal Horticultural Society has given Ligularia przewalskii ‘The Rocket’ their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1993.
Ligularia ‘The Rocket’ Leaf (27/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)
Ligularia przewalskii ‘The Rocket’ prefers moist, deep, fertile, reliably moist soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It enjoys boggy soils. Its leaves will wilt as its soil drys out.
Ligularia przewalskii ‘The Rocket’ requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring or after flowering.
