Siberian Goldenray
ligularia sibirica
Also known as: ["Siberian Leopard Plant"]
Overview
A herbaceous perennial native to Siberia, known for its large, heart-shaped leaves and tall spikes of yellow daisy-like flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Ligularia |
| Botanical Name: | Ligularia sibirica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Flowers
- Suitable Location: shaded garden bed with consistent moisture
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–25°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moist but well-draining; avoid heavy clay soils.
- Soil Type: Rich, loamy soil with high organic matter content.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in early spring or after flowering.
- Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on cleanup rather than shaping.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; prefers bright indirect light or dappled sunlight for 4–6 hours/day; adjust for stronger light in spring/summer.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to brighter light if moving from shade; protect from intense midday sun to prevent scorching; place in a sheltered spot outdoors or in a north-facing window indoors.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Avoid direct sun; provide shade during peak hours; monitor for leaf burn.
Watering
every 7–10 days, more frequently during active growth
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; avoid letting roots dry out; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Soil
moist, rich, humusy soil with good drainage
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Keep soil consistently moist; amend with organic matter annually; ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Temperature
Cool to moderate temperatures, ideally 60–75°F (15–24°C); tolerates cooler spring/autumn conditions but dislikes extreme heat.
Protect from frost; avoid sudden temperature swings; maintain consistent cool conditions.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Apply fertilizer after watering to prevent root burn; stop feeding in late summer to prepare for dormancy; use a low-nitrogen formula to avoid excessive foliage growth.
Propagation
Methods
Division of rhizomes or root cuttings in early spring.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Dig up rhizomes.
- Divide into sections with at least one growth bud each.
- Replant immediately in prepared medium.
Best Time: Early spring before new growth emerges.
Environment
Warm, humid conditions with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture.
Medium
Rich, moist potting mix with added perlite for drainage.
Hormone
Not typically required for rhizome division.
Timeline
Roots establish within 4–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Garden fork, sharp knife, pruning shears, pots.
Quick Tips
Divide only when the plant is overcrowded; ensure each division has healthy roots; water well after replanting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back spent flower stalks and yellowed leaves; thin overcrowded stems if necessary.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or damaged foliage to maintain plant health and appearance; control size by dividing rather than cutting back.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Remove dead/damaged parts; sanitize tools; avoid cutting into healthy growth.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter.
Method
Gently remove the plant; trim any dead roots; repot in fresh, well-draining soil with a slightly larger pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound; beneficial for maintaining vigor.
Checklist
Prepare new pot with drainage holes; trim roots if needed; use fresh soil mix; water thoroughly after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, soaking the root zone thoroughly until water drains from the bottom; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during spring and summer, increasing to twice weekly in hot weather; reduce frequency in fall and cease in winter unless soil is very dry.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility and structure; incorporate perlite or sand for better drainage.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, stunted growth, or leaf drop in excessive heat; darkening or mushy stems in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth and can cause root damage or dieback, especially if soil is waterlogged.
Solution: Provide winter protection with mulch; ensure soil is well-drained; move potted plants to a sheltered location if temperatures drop below 20°F (-7°C).
Hot Stress
Excessive heat causes wilting, leaf scorch, and reduced vigor; may lead to premature flowering or dormancy.
Solution: Increase watering frequency; provide shade during peak sun hours; improve air circulation around the plant.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer; avoid fertilizing in fall and winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Slightly ToxicCats may experience mild gastrointestinal irritation if they consume Ligularia sibirica. The plant's compounds can cause discomfort but are not typically life-threatening.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Slightly ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Ligularia sibirica can lead to mild gastrointestinal upset due to the plant's irritant properties. Symptoms are generally not severe but may cause discomfort.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Slightly ToxicLigularia sibirica contains irritant compounds that can cause mild gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation upon contact. The plant's sap may provoke a mild allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much sunlight does Ligularia sibirica require?
A: It prefers partial shade to full shade and thrives in moist, rich soil.
Q: Is Ligularia sibirica deer resistant?
A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant due to its large leaves and preference for shaded areas.
Q: Does Ligularia sibirica attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators with its yellow flowers.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, more freque |
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