Ligularia japonica - (Thunb.)DC.
(Thunb.)DC.
gbif· cc0
Mason Brock
gbif· cc0
Mason Brock
gbif· cc0
Mason Brock
Description
Ligularia japonica is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in leaf all year, in flower in June. 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 - cooked. Leaf stalks - cooked.
Distribution
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Where It Grows
TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Anhui Sheng, Fujian Sheng, Guangdong Sheng, Guangxi Zhuangzu Zizhiqu, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng), Japan (Honshu, Kyushu, Shikoku), Taiwan TROPICAL ASIA: India (Meghalaya)
Cultivation
Prefers a deep moist or even boggy fertile humus-rich soil. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade. Plants often wilt on bright windy days. The young growth in spring is very susceptible to damage by slugs and snails. There is possibly some confusion in the reports on this species with Farfugium japonicum.
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.
