Ligularia 'Britt Marie Crawford'

Ligularia 'Britt-Marie Crawford': A Dark Jewel of the Shade Garden

Ligularia 'Britt-Marie Crawford', a distinguished cultivar within the Ligularia genus, emerges in the garden as a dark jewel, with its large, glossy leaves of a deep burgundy-black setting a dramatic backdrop for the bright, golden-orange daisy-like flowers. Celebrated for its striking foliage, vibrant blooms, and exceptional shade tolerance, 'Britt-Marie Crawford' is an exquisite selection for gardeners seeking to add depth, contrast, and a touch of the exotic to their shaded retreats. Ideal for creating a focal point in woodland gardens, enriching the edges of shaded borders with its captivating presence, or lending an air of mystery to damp, shady areas, 'Britt-Marie Crawford' brings an unparalleled elegance and intrigue to any outdoor space, affirming its status as a captivating choice for its visual appeal and garden adaptability.

Product Characteristics:

• Height: 'Britt-Marie Crawford' asserts its presence with a height of 70-90 cm, its statuesque flower stalks rising above the luxurious foliage, creating a compelling vertical interest that draws the eye and captures the imagination.
• Spread: With a spread of 60-75 cm, it forms substantial clumps of its striking leaves, providing a lush, textural foundation for the radiant flowers that bloom above, ensuring a bold and dramatic garden display.
• Flower Colour: The blooms of 'Britt-Marie Crawford' are a brilliant golden-orange, each flower a vivid contrast against the dark foliage, reminiscent of flickering flames in a shadowed landscape, offering warmth and vibrancy to shaded garden settings.
• Flowering Period: Blooming in late summer, 'Britt-Marie Crawford' extends the garden's visual interest into the season, providing a luminous display when many other shade-loving plants have receded, enriching the landscape with its enduring beauty.
• Sunlight Requirements: Thriving in partial to full shade, 'Britt-Marie Crawford' is a testament to the beauty that can flourish in the garden's quieter, shaded corners, where its deep foliage and bright blooms become a sanctuary of color and texture.
• Soil Requirements: It prefers moist, well-drained soil, showcasing a particular affinity for rich, damp conditions that mimic its natural habitat, making it an ideal choice for waterside plantings or moist woodland gardens.

Uses and Benefits: Beyond its decorative splendor, 'Britt-Marie Crawford' serves as an attractive destination for pollinators, with its bold flowers drawing bees and butterflies. Its striking contrast of foliage and flower makes it an excellent choice for adding depth and mystery to shaded garden designs, serving as a breathtaking focal point that commands attention and admiration.

Companion Plants: Enhance 'Britt-Marie Crawford' with plants that offer lighter foliage or complementary blooms, such as the soft whites of Astilbe, the variegated leaves of Hostas, or the delicate blues of Brunnera. These companions help to illuminate the dark foliage of 'Britt-Marie Crawford', creating a shaded garden scene that is vibrant, textured, and full of intrigue.

Care Instructions: Ligularia 'Britt-Marie Crawford' flourishes with basic care, requiring regular watering to maintain consistent soil moisture, an application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring, and mulching to preserve soil moisture and temperature. Its preference for cooler, shaded environments coupled with its need for moist soil makes it a unique and precious addition to the shade garden.

History: 'Britt-Marie Crawford' stands out for its unique foliage and flower combination, offering gardeners a lush, dramatic option for shaded landscapes. It has captured the attention of those with an eye for the unusual and the beautiful, becoming a favored choice for its ability to bring depth and color to the tranquil beauty of shaded gardens.

Final Thoughts: Ligularia 'Britt-Marie Crawford' is a dark jewel of the shade garden, offering a striking contrast of deep burgundy-black foliage and golden-orange blooms. Its ability to attract pollinators, combined with its dramatic appearance and ease of care, makes it a splendid choice for those looking to enhance their shaded spaces with a touch of mystery and natural elegance. Whether serving as a stunning centerpiece in a woodland garden, accentuating the lushness of a damp border, or standing out in a shaded container arrangement, 'Britt-Marie Crawford' promises to inspire and enchant, bringing a rich tapestry of color and form to the serene beauty of the shade garden.