Ligularia

A family of long lived perennials that seldom need dividing that enjoy moist, shady sites. Do not plant in dry shade under trees with competitive roots. Most Ligularias will grow on wet soil and tolerate flooding. Disease problems dont often occur, though they can be prone to slugs and snails.
The leaves will often wilt in hot sun even if the soil is moist, perking up during evening or nightfall, generally however they prefer a site without afternoon sun.
Propagation is from seed during spring. The seed can be planted into containers then later transplanted out to the garden.

Ligularia dentata ( Bigleaf Ligularia )
A perennial, forming a large clump up to 6.6 x 5 feet ( foliage clump along is 3 x 5 feet ), that is native to China and Japan.
The very attractive, toothed, heart shaped, leaves are red-purple in spring before turning deep green to grayish green. The leathery leaves are up to 24 x 20 inches in size and are borne on either green or reddish stems. The orange-yellow flowers, up to 4 inches across are borne on clusters up to 1 foot across, on tall, sturdy stalks during autumn.
Prefers sun to partial shade from zone 3 to 7 on moist to wet, deep, fertile soil with a deep organic mulch to keep the soil cool. Heat tolerant but may wilt during mid afternoon only to bounce back at night.
Reflected sun, especially against a south or west facing wall could cause severe scorching and stunting of growth.

* photos taken on April 13 2010 in Columbia, MD








* photo taken on May 1 2010 in Columbia, MD


* photo taken on August 24 2010 in Columbia, MD


Britt Marie Crawford
Reaches a maximum size while in bloom of 6.5 x 5 feet. The foliage is large and glossy purple-black and the late summer flowers look like orange daisies. Blooms 2 weeks later than Desdemona. Comes true from seed and grows with extreme vigor.
An excellent plant to create a tropical mood.


* photos taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.


Dark Beauty
Deep maroon foliage and intense bright orange flowers.

Desdemona
Reaches a maximum size of 6.5 x 5 feet while in bloom. The huge, round, purple-green leaves ( purple below ) are up to 24 x 20 inches in size. The daisy like flowers are large and orange, up to 5 inches across from August to September on erect stems that are sturdy and do not need staking. Prefers wet soil and coincidentally looks great next to water.
* photos taken on May 2 2012 in Columbia, MD

Othello
Foliage is less intense purple than Britt Marie Crawford

* photo taken on April 18 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum


* photo taken on May 5 2010 in Columbia, MD


Woerlitzer Gold
Reaches up to 4 feet, with purplish foliage and large, yellow flowers.

Ligularia fischeri
Native to South Korea and reaches up to 4 x 3 feet in size with gray green foliage up to 12 x 8 inches. The flowers are orange-yellow and this long lived plant is hardy north to zone 3

Ligularia x hessei Greygnog Gold
Forms an impressive mound, up to 4.2 feet across, of medium green, large, waxy leaves that are up to 12 inches across. The golden-orange flowers up to 4 inches are borne in impressive tall, pyramidal spikes giving the plant an entire height of 6.6 feet.
Hardy zones 3 to 9

Ligularia macrophylla
A handsome, impressive plant reaching up to 6 x 6 feet in size. The large, wide, swordlike, bluish leaves are up to 24 inches in length.
The yellow flowers up to an inch wide are borne in densely crowded panicles.
Hardy north to zone 3 in sun or partial shade.

Ligularia Osiris Cafe Noir
A perennial, reaching up to 3 x 2.5 feet, with deeply-toothed leathery foliage that is deep purplish-black at first, turning to bronze then olive-green with purple veining. The orangish-yellow flowers are borne on purple stems during late summer into early autumn. Hardy zones 4 to 7 Changing foliage color keeps the drama going all season. New growth is dark purple-black, becoming bronze then olive green highlighted with purple veins as the yellow-orange daisy-like flowers emerge on 20 inch purple stems in late summer.

* photo taken on May 17 2012 in Columbia, MD

Ligularia przewalski ( Shavalskis Ligularia )
A spectacular, vigorous perennial for the back of a border or as a specimen plant, that is native to northern China. It can reach up to 7 x 4 feet in size while in bloom.
The large, toothed and lobed, triangular foliage up to 12 x 12 inches, is somewhat shaped like that of a Silver Maple, is luxuriant green above and purplish below.
The stems are purple-black and the golden-yellow flowers are borne in tall spikes up to 3 feet in length from June to September.
Hardy zones 3 to 8, prefers morning sun and moist, fertile soil. The foliage easily wilts in summer if soil dries out.

Ligularia sibirica
Native from France to Siberia to Japan and forming a large clumping reaching up to 6.5 x 6 feet in size. The leaves are cordate and rounded, to 13 x 13 inches. The yellow flowers are up to 2 inches across. Hardy north to zone 3

Ligularia stenocephala
Native to eastern Asia and forming a spectacular plant with a maximum size of 7 x 5 ( rarely over 5 ) feet. The foliage is triangular in shape and large, up to 14 x 12 inches with heavily toothed, serrated margins. The leaves are shiny, dark green contrasting with golden yellow flowers, up to 2 + inches across, borne on tall spikes from August to September. The flowers are spectacular and the foliage is great for adding tropical effect to temperate climate landscapes and looks great next to a small pond.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 ( tolerates -40 F ) in partial shade to sun on always moist, fertile, well drained soil.

Bottle Rocket
Very compact and dense, reaching up to 2 x 2.5 feet, with showy, intense deep yellow flowers spikes contrasting well with the bold, serrated, heart-shaped, deep green foliage.

Little Rocket
The dwarf form of The Rocket below, only reaching 3 x 2.5 or very rarely 4 x 3 feet in size. The very deeply toothed, mid green, heart shaped leaves contrasts well with the bright golden flowers from mid to late summer. Hardy zones 2 to 10 in partial sun.

The Rocket
Reaches a maximum size of 7 x 5 feet with coarsely lobed, triangular, deep green foliage up to 14 x 12 inches in size.
It blooms all summer long with golden yellow flowers borne in stiff, spikes up to 2 feet long in late June. Hardy zones 3 to 7 ( even hardy in much of Alberta ) on moist soil in sun or partial shade.
Looks great along a woodland edge or along a stream.

* photos taken on May 5 2010 in Columbia, MD





* photos taken on May 14 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Aug 1 2013 in Stratford, Ontario


Sungold
Has a good bushy habit, reaching up to 5.5 x 5 feet. The golden-orange daisies are borne in branching stems. Hardy zones 4 to 9

Ligularia tussilaginea Gigantea
Forms a foliage clump up to 3 x 3 feet and reaches a height up to 4 feet while in bloom. The thick, glossy, bright green leaves are up to 15 inches wide and borne on stalks up to 2 feet long. The flowers are up to 2 inches across.
The foliage is hardy to 16 F. It dies back to the roots at 0 F but regrows in the spring.

Ligularia veitchiana
Native to western China and reaches a maximum size of 8 x 6 feet while in bloom.
The huge triangular leaves are up to 14 x 24 inches in size.
The orange flowers, up to 3 inches across, are borne on huge spikes up to 30 inches long during mid summer.
Prefers partial shade and moist to wet soil. Hardy zones 4 to 8

Ligularia wilsoniana
Native to China and reaching up to 7 x 6 feet with dark green, sharply serrated, kidney shaped , basal leaves up to 20 inches across. The yellow flowers are borne in tall spikes in mid summer.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 and likes cool moist conditions.

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Caesalpinia

A large genus of close to 150 species of mostly warm climate, spectacular flowering trees, shrubs and vines that are part of the massive Legume family that also includes the Acacias, Locusts, Peas and Beans.
Most species prefer full sun and a fertile, well drained soil.
Propagation is typically from seed and can be improved by rubbing the seed on sand paper then soaking in warm water to soften the hard seed coats.

* photos taken on Jan 3 2011 @ Deerfield Beach Arboretum, Florida


Caesalpinia bahamense
A small tree, reaching a maximum size of 25 x 25 feet.
Hardy zones 10 to 12

Caesalpinia bonduc
Some records include: 3 years - 6 feet

Caesalpinia cacalaco
A very attractive, very thorny, southern Mexican native, slow growing, evergreen, small to medium-sized tree that is similar in appearance to the Honey Locust ( Gleditsia triacanthos ) of North America. Some records include:fastest recorded growth rate - 3 feet; 2 years - 4 feet; 3 years - 8 feet; largest on record - 50 x 20 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.5 feet.
Reaches up to 6 feet as a foliage perennial.
The leaves, up to 8 inches in length, are composed of leaflets, up to 1 inch in length.
The yellow flowers are borne on clusters up to 12 inches in length.
Hardy zones 9 to 12 tolerating as low as 17 F. Known to dieback to base in zone 8b and resprout vigorously. Very drought tolerant.

Caesalpinia coriaria
A small to medium-sized tree, native to the Caribbean and Mexico to Central America.
Some records include: largest on record - 50 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.5 feet.
The leaves are up to 6 x 3 inches in size.
Hardy zones 10 to 12

Caesalpinia decapetala ( Mysore Thorn )
Also called Caesalpinia sepiaria. A large scrambling vine or semi-climbing shrub ( if no support ) that is native from southern China to southern Japan; south into the southeastern Asia tropics. Some records include: 5 years - 30 feet; largest on record - 82 ( rarely over 50 ) feet as a vine.
The ferny, bipinnate leaves, up to 16 x 8 inches, are composed of rounded leaflets, up to 0.8 inches in length.
The bright yellow ( with red spotting ) flowers are borne on clusters, up to 16 inches in length.
This vine clings to support by means of hooked thorns on the leaf undersides.
Hardy zones 9 to 11 ( reports of 8 ) tolerating as low as 14 F. Very drought tolerant and thrives in mediterranean climates.

subsp japonica
Hardier, north to zone 8b.
The leaflets are larger, up to 1 inch in length and the flowers are brighter yellow.

Caesalpinia echinata ( Brazilwood )
Also called Peachwood. A moderate growing, large tree that is native to the Atlantic Rainforest region in Brazil where it is endangered. Some records include: largest on record - 110 x 40 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet.
The leathery, pinnate leaves, up to 4 inches in length, are composed of 9 to 19 small broad-oblong leaflets.
The flowers are yellow.
The branches and trunk are prickly.
Hardy zones 11 to 12. Very drought and salt tolerant as well as tolerant of alkaline soil.

* photos of unknown internet source




Caesalpinia ferrea ( Leopard Tree )
A fast growing, long-lived, thornless, deciduous, lofty, large tree that is native to eastern Brazil. Some records include: largest on record - 100 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 5 feet.
It is popular as a street tree in subtropical and tropical regions around the world.
The leaves, up to 8 inches in length, are reddish at first, turning to bright green.
The bi-pinnate leaves are composed of 7 pairs of 0.8 inch leaflets.
The bright yellow flowers are borne on dense panicles during summer.
The very attractive bark is creamy-white and smooth, with large gray patches. The main trunk usually splits into long twisted limbs shortly above the ground.
Hardy zones 9 to 12

* photos taken on Jan 3 2011 @ Deerfield Beach Arboretum, Florida


Caesalpinia gillesii ( Bird of Paradise Shrub )
A fast growing, open, spreading, deciduous or evergreen ( depending on climate ) large shrub or small tree, is native from northern Argentina and Uruguay. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 6 feet; 2 years - 5 feet; 3 year - 8 feet; largest on record - 40 x 25 feet.
The ferny, bipinnate leaves, up to 12 inches in length, are composed of many leaflets up to 1.5 inches in length. The ferny foliage is bright green, later turning to deep green.
The large, bicolored golden-yellow ( petals ) and scarlet-red ( the very long stamens ) flowers, up to 5 inches each, are borne on short, erect spikes during summer. The petals are up to 1 inch in length, the stamens are up to 3 inches.
Hardy zones 8 to 11 ( tolerating as low as 5 F ) in full sun, thriving on deep, light, well drained soil. It can be grown on sheltered sites further north into zone 6 as a perennial. In climates with dry winters, it may become drought deciduous. It required climates with long, hot hummers. It is drought but not salt tolerant. Very deer resistant.
Can be grown from seed during fall or spring depending on climate region. It can also be grown from softwood cuttings taken during summer.

* photo of unknown internet source



* video found on Youtube


Caesalpinia granadillo
A rare, moderately dense, medium-sized tree. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 3 feet; largest on record - 80 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 3.5 feet.
The leaves are up to 12 inches in length.
The flowers, up to 2 inches, are yellow.
The bark is white.
Hardy zones 10 to 12. It is not salt tolerant.

Caesalpinia insignis ( Zenia )
A fast growing, large tree native to far southern China where it is endangered.
Some records include: 16 years - 60 feet with a trunk diameter of 8 inches; largest on record - 100 x 80 feet with a trunk diameter of 3.5 feet.
The leaves, up to 18 inches in length are composed of up to 21 leaflets, up to 4 x 1 inches in size.
The bark is grayish-white.
Hardy zones 9b to 12 tolerating as low as 23 F
Tolerant of drought and limestone soils. It is tolerant of temporary flooding but not waterlogged soil.

Caesalpinia kaviensis
A rapid growing small tree, reaching a maximum height of 35 feet, that is native to Hawaii where it is highly endangered.
Some records include: first year - 3.5 feet.
The pinnate leaves are composed of up to 8 leaflets, up to 1.5 ( rarely over 1 ) inch in length.
The flowers are red.
Hardy zones 10 to 12

* photo of unknown internet source


Caesalpinia major
A vine reaching a maximum height of 50 feet.
Hardy zones 10 to 12

Caesalpinia mexicana
A medium-sized tree that is native from Texas to central Mexico.
In frost free climates, it is evergreen.
Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 10 feet; 3 years - 6 feet; largest on record - 45 x 60 feet with a trunk diameter of 1.3 feet. It can reach up to 6 feet as a perennial.
The leaves, up to 10 x 6.5 inches in size, are composed of numerous leaflets, up to 1 inch in length. The foliage is luxuriant green.
The yellow flowers are borne on clusters up to 6 inches in length.
The stems bear no thorns.
Hardy zones 9 to 12 as a tree. Perennial at 15 F at Tucson and some have even survived those temperatures as a woody plant however with some tip dieback.
Very heat tolerant.

Caesalpinia palmeri
Some records include: 2 years - 5 feet, eventually 9 feet

Caesalpinia paraguayensis
A medium-sized tree that is native to South America. Some records include: 1 year - 3 x 4 feet; 12 years - 3 x 7 feet; largest on record - 60 feet.
The flowers are yellow.
The bark is beige.
Hardy zones 9 to 12 tolerating as low as 18 F

Caesalpinia platyloba
A fast growing, thornless, large tree that is native to the Caribbean and Costa Rica through Tropical America. Some records include: 3 years - 4 feet; 4 years - 10 feet; 13 years - 22 feet; largest on record - 170 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 6 feet.
The leaves are up to 8 inches in length.
The flowers are yellow.
Hardy zones 10 to 12, it can tolerate as low as 25 F. At 17 F it freezes to the ground and will regrow as a perennial reaching about 8 feet in a season.

Caesalpinia pulcherrima ( Peacock Flower )
Also called Dwarf Poinciana. A fast growing, spreading, small tree, that is native to tropical America. In the subtropics and tropics it is evergreen.
Some records include: largest on record - 33 x 33 feet with a trunk diameter of 0.5 feet. Reaches up to 7 x 6 feet as a perennial in cold climates.
The leaves, up to 24 inches in length, are composed of leaflets, up to 1.5 x 0.5 inches. The luxuriant mid-green foliage lends to a lush tropical effect.
The fiery, scarlet-red flowers, up to 3 inches in length, are borne on large, erect terminal panicles, up to 24 ( rarely over 10 ) inches in length. The flowers are borne throughout the year in tropical climates.
Hardy zones 9 to 12 tolerating as low as 20 F however it can be grown as a perennial on sheltered sites as far north as zone 7. It prefers full sun and is very drought and salt tolerant.

* photo taken on Jan 3 2011 @ Deerfield Beach Arboretum, Florida

* photo of unknown internet source


Flava
A yellow flowering variety that looks great mixed in plantings with the regular Caesalpinia pulcherrima.

Caesalpinia pumila
Some records include: 5 years - 5.5 feet; eventually to 6 feet

Caesalpinia sessilifolia

Caesalpinia velutina
A thornless, straight single-trunked, small tree. Some records include: largest on record - 40 feet with a trunk diameter of 1 feet.
The leaves are bipinnate.
Hardy zones 10 to 12.

Caesalpinia vesciaria
A small tree, reaching a maximum size of 25 x 25 feet.
The leaves, up to 10 inches in length, are composed of leaflets, up to 1.5 inches in length.
Hardy zones 10 to 12

* photos taken on Jan 3 2011 @ Deerfield Beach Arboretum, Florida




Caesalpinia violacea
Some records include: 2 years - 6 feet; 6 years - 7.5 feet

Telekia speciosa ( Scented Ox Eye )
A vigorous, rapid spreading, thick sturdy stemmed, upright perennial, reaching a maximum size of 6.5 x 6 ( rarely over 5 ) feet, that is native from the European Alps into southern Russia.
It looks great massed in a large planting. Individual plants eventually spread to form a large clump.
The very large, attractive leaves, up to 24 x 10 inches in size, are mid-green.
The yellow, daisy-like flowers are borne in large clusters during summer.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on moist soil, preferring a site protected from strong winds which can damage the leaves. It is generally easy to grow and especially thrives along waters edge.

Lewisia

A genus of perennials that are part of the larger Portulaca family.
They require excellent drainage and a gravel mulch. Do not fertilize.

* photo taken on Oct 31 2013 in Columbia, MD


Lewisia Constant Comment
A succulent perennial forming compact rosettes with short clusters of large rosy-pink flowers, reblooming heavily up to 6 times per year.

* photo taken on Apr 16 2013 in Burtonsville, MD

Lewisia cotyledon ( Siskiyou Lewisia )
A perennial, forming a foliage clump reaching a maximum size of 12 x 16 inches, that is native to high mountains from southern Oregon into northern California.
The evergreen leaves, up to 5.5 inches in length, form a flat rosette.
The very showy, white or pink flowers are borne from late spring into early summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on very well drained soil with a gravel mulched. It is often planted in stone walls. Surprisingly tolerant of heat and humidity in the east.

Alba
Pure white flowers, otherwise identical.

Fransi
Orange flowers and fringed leaves, otherwise identical.

Rainbow
Forms a clump, reaching a maximum size of 1 x 1 foot, with semi-double flowers that can come in many colors including white, pink, orange, red or yellow.
Hardy north to zone 3 if protected by snow during winter.

Skagits Select
Reaches up to 8 x 13 inches.
The foliage is deep green.
Hardy zones 4 +

Sunset Strain
A seedling strain, reaching a maximum size of 12 x 16 inches, with flowers that can come in yellow, orange or pink.

Lewisia Little Plum
The hybrid between Lewisia cotyledon & L. longipetala, forming a compact clump, reaching a maximum size of 8 x 12 inches.
The fleshy foliage is green.
The abundant, purplish-pink flowers are borne all summer long.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 ( to 3 on protected sites ) in full sun to partial shade.

* photo of unknown internet source


Lewisia pygmaea
A small tufted perennial, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 7 inches, that is native from Alaska to Alberta; south to California to New Mexico.
The fleshy, deciduous leaves are green.
The flowers are small and pink.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

* photo of unknown internet source

Lewisia tweedyi
A small tufted perennial, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 7 inches, that is native to northwest North America.
The fleshy, deciduous leaves, up to 5 inches in length, are green.
The flowers are small and pink, red or white.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

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