Re: Ligularia help

> From: spring04@dacafe.com
> Advice wanted! I cannot seem to grow Ligularia ( the rocket) with
any
> success. Any tips? . I'm in sunset zone 9 and I planted it near a
pond
> with afternoon shade and it expired. I tried again near a sprinkler
in the
> shade and no luck again. I really hate begging a plant to grow in
my yard
> but I'm willing to try once more. Thanks.
----------

As Paul noted, this Ligularia doesn't like hot and dry.  Actually, it
just doesn't like hot.  I've grown it for many years.  It's quite
happy in spring but as soon as the heat sets in, the leaves wilt and
no amount of water perks them up...they just wait for night and a bit
of coolness, if it comes.  It flowers every year for me.

Mine grows in a bed of amended, naturally acidic, clay that is
overshadowed by trees on the south and west and a covered walk on the
east.  It probably gets an hour or two - at most - of more or less
direct sun rays somewhere in the middle of the day.

You don't say where in z9 you are.  Could make a difference.  If your
area is naturally desert-like, then you just may not be able to grow
this plant successfully.  If your climate is hot, then it will not be
a decorative plant for you, even if it lives, because its leaves will
be in wilt mode during the day for most of the season.  

Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@hort.net
Editor:  Gardening in Shade
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