Ligularia ‘Twilight’ (Ligularia dentata ‘Twilight’)
Bold Burgundy Foliage & Golden Summer Flowers for Shade Gardens and Water Features
🌿 Plant Overview
Common Name: Leopard Plant
Botanical Name: Ligularia dentata ‘Twilight’
Plant Type: Herbaceous Perennial
Family: Asteraceae
Hardiness Zones: 4–8
Native Range: Hybrid selection derived from species native to China and Japan
📊 Key Characteristics
Height: 12–24 inches
Spread: 12–24 inches
Bloom Time: Summer
Flower Color: Bright yellow
Foliage Color: Deep burgundy to purple with green undertones
Growth Habit: Upright, clump-forming perennial
Fragrance: Lightly fragrant
☀️ Growing Conditions
Sun Exposure: Part shade to full shade
Water Needs: Medium to high
Soil Type: Rich, organic, moisture-retentive soil
Soil Moisture: Moist to wet, well-drained
Maintenance Level: Low to moderate
Ligularia ‘Twilight’ performs best in consistently moist soils with protection from hot afternoon sun. This variety is especially effective near ponds, streams, rain gardens, and shaded borders where moisture is readily available.
🌸 Garden Features
✔️ Dramatic burgundy foliage
✔️ Bright golden-yellow summer flowers
✔️ Excellent shade garden perennial
✔️ Thrives in moist locations
✔️ Attracts butterflies and pollinators
✔️ Deer and rabbit resistant
✔️ Strong architectural presence
✂️ Care & Maintenance
Provide consistent moisture throughout the growing season, particularly during hot weather. Mulch annually to conserve soil moisture and improve soil quality. Remove spent flower stalks after blooming and divide mature clumps every few years to maintain vigor.
Avoid planting in dry soils or areas exposed to intense afternoon sun, as leaves may wilt or scorch.
🌼 Landscape Uses
Woodland gardens, pond edges, stream banks, rain gardens, shade borders, specimen plantings, container gardens, mass plantings, bog gardens
🌿 19 Birch Lane Insight
Ligularia ‘Twilight’ brings a bold, tropical appearance to the gardens at 19 Birch Lane. Its dramatic dark foliage creates striking contrast against lighter shade-loving perennials while the golden flowers brighten woodland spaces during the height of summer.
🌱 Noteworthy Characteristics
‘Twilight’ is a more compact selection of Leopard Plant prized for its rich burgundy foliage and vibrant yellow daisy-like flowers. The large leaves provide season-long texture and color even when the plant is not in bloom.
Unlike many shade perennials that disappear into the background, Ligularia ‘Twilight’ acts as a focal point in the garden, drawing attention with its bold foliage and upright flower stems.
Its love of moisture makes it particularly valuable for difficult garden areas near water features, drainage swales, and naturally damp locations where many other perennials struggle.
⚠️ Problems
Plants may wilt quickly during drought or excessive heat. Slugs and snails can occasionally damage young foliage. Consistent moisture and good organic soil help maintain healthy growth.
Ligularia ‘Twilight’ (Ligularia dentata ‘Twilight’)
Bold Burgundy Foliage & Golden Summer Flowers for Shade Gardens and Water Features