Ligularia 'Midnight Lady'

Ligularia 'Midnight Lady': Velvet Foliage and Golden Light

Mysterious and bold, Ligularia 'Midnight Lady' stands out in the shade with its enormous, deep purple foliage and vibrant golden-orange daisy-like blooms. This striking perennial creates rich contrast and lush texture, bringing both elegance and drama to moist, shaded borders.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 75–90 cm
• Spread: 75–90 cm, forming a wide, dense clump
• Flower Colour: Golden-orange
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to late summer
• Foliage: Very large, rounded deep purple leaves with a velvety texture
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, rich, well-drained soil; dislikes drought or hot, dry sites

Uses and Benefits: Ligularia 'Midnight Lady' is a dramatic foliage plant perfect for shady borders, woodland gardens, or damp areas near water features. Its broad, dark leaves provide bold contrast with lighter companions, while its golden blooms draw in bees and butterflies in midsummer. This cultivar offers a unique combination of scale, richness, and colour—ideal for gardeners seeking depth and presence in shaded spaces.

Companion Plants: Pair Ligularia 'Midnight Lady' with Hosta 'Golden Tiara' to highlight the ligularia’s dark foliage with a chartreuse edge. Add Astilbe 'Delft Lace' for airy plumes in soft pink that play off the velvety leaves. Underplant with Brunnera 'Silver Heart', whose shimmering foliage lights up the base and complements the dramatic tones above.

Care Instructions: Plant in part to full shade with consistently moist, rich soil. Water during dry spells and mulch to retain soil moisture. Avoid hot afternoon sun, which can cause leaf wilt. Deadhead to tidy, or leave seedheads for autumn texture. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring.

History: Ligularia 'Midnight Lady' is a selected cultivar of Ligularia dentata, prized for its unusually dark foliage and full, rounded leaf form. It offers a luxurious twist on traditional ligularias, bringing modern foliage interest to moist shade gardens.

Final Thoughts: With sultry foliage and midsummer bloom, Ligularia 'Midnight Lady' transforms shaded borders into rich tapestries of contrast and form—perfect for gardeners who crave drama in the dim light.