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ligularia cultivars

Ligularia cultivars are prized for their bold foliage, vibrant flowers, and ability to brighten shaded and moist garden areas throughout New Zealand. With their dramatic leaves and architectural form, ligularia plants provide unmatched texture and colour for gardeners wanting something beyond traditional shade perennials. From variegated leaves to nearly black foliage, ligularia cultivars offer diverse options for landscape design. Whether you’re searching for a statement plant for a damp spot, a border accent, or a unique container specimen, there’s a ligularia cultivar ready to flourish in your garden.

Ligularia reniformis with lush leaves growing in a container.

Ligularia reniformis

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Ligularia reniformis, commonly known as the Tractor Seat Plant, is a striking foliage plant ideal for shaded New Zealand gardens. It features large, glossy, kidney-shaped leaves that resemble old-fashioned tractor seats, adding bold texture and drama to garden beds. This evergreen perennial thrives in moist, well-drained soils and sheltered spots. Perfect for tropical-themed gardens, borders, or underplanting trees, it brings year-round interest and pairs well with ferns and hostas.

Suited to regions: Subtropical, Temperate
Plant type: Perennials
Height: 75 cm
Spread: 75 cm
Flowering time: Summer
Garden uses: Borders, Containers, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles: Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern, Tropical
magnolia-denudata-gere-4

Magnolia denudata Gere

Magnolia denudata Gere is a graceful deciduous tree known for its large, fragrant white flowers that bloom in early spring. This cultivar adds timeless beauty and seasonal interest to New Zealand gardens with its spectacular floral display and elegant silhouette.

Suited to regions: All regions
Plant type: Trees
Height: 7.00 m
Spread: 4.00 m
Flowering time: Spring, Winter
Garden uses: Parks, Specimen
Garden styles: Alpine, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Frontyard, Japanese, Modern
Griselinia Broadway Mint hedge with lush, green foliage.
Griselinia 'Broadway Mint'

Griselinia Broadway Mint, commonly known as NZ Broadleaf, is a fast-growing, evergreen New Zealand native shrub prized for its dense, glossy...

Metrosideros 'Maungapiko' specimen tree covered in red flowers.
Metrosideros 'Maungapiko'

Metrosideros ‘Maungapiko’ is a compact New Zealand native pohutukawa cultivar valued for its dense habit, glossy green foliage, and vivid red summer...

From$255.51
Metrosideros excelsa (Pohutukawa) specimen tree with masses of red flowers in a coastal location.
Metrosideros excelsa (Pōhutukawa)

Metrosideros excelsa, commonly known as Pōhutukawa or the New Zealand Christmas Tree, is a coastal evergreen renowned for its brilliant red flowers...

From$30.29
A lush Fraxinus cimmzam specimen tree.
Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Cimmzam'

Fraxinus pennsylvanica 'Cimmzam', commonly known as Cimmzam Green Ash, is a hardy and fast growing deciduous tree valued for its symmetrical form and...

From$511.09
Buxus 'Graham Blandy' boxwood shrubs growing as a cluster.
Buxus 'Graham Blandy'

Buxus 'Graham Blandy' is a distinctive, upright boxwood cultivar prized in New Zealand for its narrow, columnar form and year-round evergreen...

Luisa' plum tree covered in yellow fruit.
Plum 'Luisa'

The 'Luisa' Plum is a popular variety that produces good yields of large, yellow-skinned fruit, blushed with red. The flesh is firm, yellow, sweet...

From$404.59
Cornus 'Eddies White Wonder' white flowers held on trailing stems.
Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder'

Cornus 'Eddie's White Wonder' is a deciduous dogwood tree renowned for its impressive spring blossoms and vibrant autumn foliage. This hybrid...

From$340.69
Phormium 'Green Dwarf' flax plant in a native garden with Oioi plants.
Phormium 'Green Dwarf'

Phormium 'Green Dwarf', also known as Dwarf Green Flax, is a compact, tidy New Zealand flax cultivar with lush, bright green, strap-like leaves. It...

From$8.50
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka) shrubs in a native reserve.
Leptospermum scoparium (Manuka)

Leptospermum scoparium, commonly known as Manuka or New Zealand Tea Tree, is a hardy native shrub prized for its aromatic foliage and masses of white...

From$13.73
Metrosideros 'Kawa Copper' red and green foliage.
Metrosideros 'Kawa Copper'

Metrosideros ‘Kawa Copper’ is a distinctive New Zealand native pohutukawa cultivar prized for its rich copper toned new growth, glossy evergreen...

From$30.29
Phormium tenax plant in a garden with green foliage.
Phormium tenax

Phormium tenax, commonly known as the NZ flax or Harakeke, is a flax plant that produces erect, green, sword-like leaves. Stems rise above the...

From$7.50
coprosma-scarlett-ohara-
Coprosma 'Scarlett O'Hara'

Coprosma 'Scarlett O’Hara' is a vibrant evergreen shrub admired for its striking red toned foliage and naturally dense growth habit. This colourful...

From$16.95
coprosma-repens-plum-hussey--1
Coprosma 'Plum Hussey'

Coprosma 'Plum Hussey' is a striking evergreen shrub admired for its rich plum purple foliage and naturally dense growth habit. This colourful New...

From$16.95
A large Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' trees in an avenue with masses of red flowers.
Metrosideros 'Maori Princess'

Metrosideros 'Maori Princess' is a stunning cultivar of the NZ Christmas tree (Pohutukawa) and is renowned for its brilliant crimson-red flowers and...

From$30.29
Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue' speciment tree.
Pittosporum 'Wrinkled Blue'

Pittosporum ‘Wrinkled Blue’ is an attractive, upright evergreen tree known for its distinctive blue-grey foliage and dense, columnar growth habit...

From$26.15
Platanus 'Autumn Glory' trees in bags at a plant nursery.
Platanus 'Autumn Glory'

Platanus 'Autumn Glory' is a large, deciduous ornamental tree renowned for its striking foliage and impressive stature. This cultivar of the Oriental...

From$387.55
coprosma-repens-green-rocks-
Coprosma 'Green Rocks'

Coprosma 'Green Rocks' is a hardy evergreen shrub admired for its dense compact growth habit and fresh green glossy foliage. This attractive New...

From$16.95
A Metrosideros robusta (Northern Rata) tree in full flower in a native reserve.
Metrosideros robusta

Metrosideros robusta, commonly known as Northern Rata, is a majestic New Zealand native tree renowned for its brilliant red flowers and large...

From$323.65
Blueberry 'Powder Blue' blue berries with lush, green foliage.
Blueberry 'Powder Blue'

Blueberry 'Powder Blue' is a late season blueberry variety valued for its sweet flavour, firm berries, and extended harvest period. This reliable...

From$30.29
Blueberry 'Centurion' large, dark blue berries.
Blueberry 'Centurion'

Blueberry 'Centurion' is a late season blueberry variety valued for its large firm berries and excellent sweet flavour. This productive plant...

From$30.29
Boysenberry 'Berry Delight' dark coloured fruit.
Boysenberry 'Berry Delight'

Boysenberry 'Berry Delight' is a compact boysenberry variety valued for its excellent flavour rich berries and manageable growth habit. This modern...

From$35.81
Ligularia 'Aureomaculata' plant with yellow spots on dark green leaves.
Ligularia 'Aureomaculata' (Leopard Plant)

Ligularia 'Aureomaculata' is a stunning perennial loved for its dramatic heart shaped leaves splashed with yellow gold variegation. The foliage forms...

OUT OF STOCK
Ligularia argenta plant with lush, variegated leaves in a shaded spot.
Ligularia argentea (Variegated Ligularia)

Ligularia argentea (Variegated Ligularia) is a striking foliage perennial admired for its bold green leaves marbled with creamy white variegation...

OUT OF STOCK
Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' in a garden with lush, green foliage.
Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' (Small Leaved Ligularia)

Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' is a striking perennial valued for its bold foliage and rich garden presence. Large broad leaves form lush clumps that...

OUT OF STOCK
Ligularia Britt Marie Crawford plant with lush, black foliage and masses of yellow flowers.
Ligularia 'Britt-Marie Crawford' (Black Leaved Ligularia)

Ligularia 'Britt Marie Crawford' is a dramatic perennial prized for its large dark chocolate bronze foliage that forms bold clumps in garden...

OUT OF STOCK
Ligularia tussilaginea 'Gigantea' plants with large and lush, dark green leaves.
Ligularia 'Gigantea' (Giant Leopard Plant)

Ligularia 'Gigantea' is a commanding moisture loving perennial admired for its huge bold leaves and towering flower stems that bring drama to shaded...

OUT OF STOCK
Ligularia tussilaginea plant with lush, dark green leaves.
Ligularia tussilaginea (Elephant Ears)

Ligularia tussilaginea is a lush foliage perennial valued for its large round glossy leaves that add bold texture to shaded New Zealand gardens...

OUT OF STOCK
Ligularia dentata 'Othello' plant with lush foliage and yellow flowers.
Ligularia 'Othello'

Ligularia 'Othello' (Leopard Plant) is a dramatic perennial valued for its broad deep green to bronze toned foliage with a rich purple underside. In...

OUT OF STOCK
Ligularia 'Midnight Lady' plants with dark green leaves and adorned with yellow flowers.
Ligularia 'Midnight Lady'

Ligularia 'Midnight Lady' is an outstanding foliage perennial valued for its deep purple black leaves and bold structural presence. The dramatic...

OUT OF STOCK
Rose 'Desiree' pink flowers.
Rose 'Desiree'

Rose 'Desiree' is a beautifully refined rose known for soft pastel blooms, gentle fragrance and repeat flowering through the warmer months in New...

OUT OF STOCK
Ligularia reniformis

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You might be interested in exploring related Latin Names - Buxus, Cornus, and Fraxinus, or related Categories - Flaxes, Plum Trees, and Perennials.

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Why Choose Ligularia Cultivars?

Ligularia cultivars are particularly well-suited to New Zealand’s temperate climate and love moisture-rich, shady locations. These perennials thrive along stream edges, in woodland gardens, and wherever you want striking foliage and late summer colour. Their bold leaves—sometimes spotted, sometimes deeply lobed—are not just beautiful, but also effective at providing ground cover and suppressing weeds.

Popular Ligularia Cultivars for NZ Gardens

Ligularia 'Aureomaculata' (Leopard Plant)

With glossy leaves marked by distinct yellow spots, Ligularia 'Aureomaculata' (Leopard Plant) is a favourite for adding colour and interest. Its spotted foliage stands out in the shade, and tall spikes of golden-orange flowers appear in summer, attracting pollinators and brightening dim corners.

Ligularia argentea (Variegated Ligularia)

If you want striking variegation, Ligularia argentea (Variegated Ligularia) offers creamy-white and green leaves that light up the garden. This cultivar has a compact habit, making it perfect for container displays or smaller spaces, and pairs beautifully with woodland companions.

Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' (Small Leaved Ligularia)

For a more delicate yet equally showy option, Ligularia 'Rukuhia Beauty' (Small Leaved Ligularia) brings finely-textured foliage and a refined appearance. Ideal for the front of borders or mixed plantings, this cultivar offers subtle charm along with the durability ligularias are known for.

Ligularia 'Britt-Marie Crawford' (Black Leaved Ligularia)

Gardeners seeking dramatic foliage will love Ligularia 'Britt-Marie Crawford' (Black Leaved Ligularia). With nearly black, glossy leaves and contrasting tangerine flowers, this cultivar creates instant impact and pairs well with lighter green or silver-leaved shade plants.

Ligularia 'Gigantea' (Giant Leopard Plant)

For truly impressive scale, Ligularia 'Gigantea' (Giant Leopard Plant) boasts broad, lush leaves and sturdy stems topped with golden daisies. It’s perfect for making a bold statement in larger gardens or wherever you want eye-catching foliage and flowers.

Growing and Using Ligularia Cultivars

All ligularia cultivars prefer moist, humus-rich soil and partial shade. They excel near ponds, streams, or in sheltered woodland beds. While they’re generally low-maintenance, it’s best to plant ligularias away from dry wind and midday sun, which can scorch the leaves. Their ornamental foliage is ideal for ground cover, while their showy blooms attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.

Ligularia cultivars are the go-to solution for New Zealand gardeners wanting shade-loving perennials that bring texture, colour, and wildlife value to their landscapes. Discover the perfect ligularia cultivar for your next garden project and enjoy the unique beauty these plants offer all year round.


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Whether you need assistance finding the plant you’re looking for or you simply want to know more about who we are and what we do, we invite you to get in touch with us today. A member of The Plant Company team will get back in touch as soon as possible.

We love Gardenia radicans and Lomandra 'Tanika' as much as anyone, but part of the fun is discovering Mandarin 'Satsuma', Olive 'Ascolano', and Helichrysum petiolare (Licorice Plant).
–The Plant Company

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