Ligularia hodgsonii
Hook.f.
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(c) Viktor Stepanov, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Viktor Stepanov
Description
Ligularia hodgsonii is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.7 m (2ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Edible Uses
Leaves and stems - cooked.
Medicinal Uses
Antitussive Cancer Diuretic Expectorant. The root is antitussive, diuretic and expectorant. The plant has shown anticancer activity and is a folk cure for cancer.
Distribution
E. Asia - China, Japan and Russia
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
Cultivation
Prefers a deep moist or even boggy fertile humus-rich soil. Succeeds in full sun or semi-shade. Plants often wilt on bright windy days. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn. The young growth in spring is very susceptible to damage by slugs and snails. Plants are growing very well at Kew.
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
