Ligularia 'Pandora'

Ligularia 'Pandora': Foliage Drama with Golden Spark

Dark, compact, and full of contrast, Ligularia 'Pandora' delivers rich purple foliage crowned by spikes of golden-yellow flowers in midsummer. Its bold, serrated leaves form a dense mound that anchors shade plantings with texture and mood, while the upright blooms offer a cheerful counterpoint in colour and form.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 40–50 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, with a compact, mounding habit
• Flower Colour: Golden yellow
• Flowering Period: Midsummer
• Foliage: Deep burgundy to near-black, thick and toothed
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, rich, well-drained soil; benefits from consistent moisture

Uses and Benefits: Ligularia 'Pandora' is a stunning option for compact shade gardens, urban spaces, or container plantings where bold foliage and strong contrast are desired. Its dark leaves create a dramatic backdrop for lighter companions, while the midsummer flower spikes offer bright, vertical accent. Deer-resistant and pollinator-friendly, this smaller ligularia is perfect for bringing structure and colour to cool, damp corners.

Companion Plants: Pair Ligularia 'Pandora' with Hosta 'Rainforest Sunrise', whose bright gold-green foliage highlights the ligularia’s dark leaves. Add Astilbe 'Cappuccino' for feathery blooms and matching burgundy tones. Soften the planting with Brunnera 'Jack Frost', offering shimmering silver foliage that lifts and balances the composition.

Care Instructions: Plant in part to full shade with moist, organically rich soil. Avoid dry conditions, especially in summer. Mulch to maintain even moisture. Deadhead flowers for tidiness or allow seedheads to stand. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring to encourage dense growth.

History: Ligularia 'Pandora' is a compact selection developed for its unusually dark foliage and smaller size, combining the dramatic leaf colour of larger ligularias with a form more suited to modern landscapes and containers.

Final Thoughts: With moody foliage and a golden burst of bloom, Ligularia 'Pandora' proves that even small plants can make a bold statement in the shade garden.