Ligularia Dentata 'Desdemona'

Leopard Plant 'Desdemona'

Ligularia dentata ‘Desdemona’ (Leopard Plant) is a bold, clump-forming perennial with a mounded to upright habit, featuring large, rounded, dark green leaves with striking purple undersides. Bright orange-yellow, daisy-like flowers rise above the foliage in mid to late summer, creating strong contrast against the dramatic foliage. This cultivar is valued for its rich leaf color and reliable performance in moist, shaded settings.

Type: Perennial
Mature Size: 24–36" W × 24–36" H
USDA Zones: 4a–8b
Form: Clumping, mounded to upright

Light: Part shade to full shade (tolerates some morning sun)
Soil / Water: Rich, moist, well-drained soils; moderate to high water, requires consistent moisture
Bloom Time / Length: Mid to late summer; moderate (3–4 weeks)

Wildlife: Bees, butterflies

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for shade gardens, woodland borders, and near water features. Provides bold foliage contrast and pairs well with ferns, hostas, and other shade-loving perennials. Ideal as a focal point or in mass plantings.

Care:
Keep soil consistently moist—plants will wilt quickly in heat or drought. Mulch to retain moisture and keep roots cool. Remove spent flowers for a tidy appearance. Protect from hot afternoon sun and drying winds.

Plant type

Perennial

Height

24-36''

Width

24-36''

Hardiness zones

4–8

Sunlight

Full Shade, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Late Summer, Mid Summer

Flower color

Amber, Cream

Leaf color

SeaGreen

Attracts

Bees, Butterflies

Soil

Moist well-drained, Rich

Landscape use

Border, Container, Mass Planting, Woodland Gardens

Shape

Clumping, Mounded, Upright

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

No