Ligularia 'Little Rocket'

Ligularia 'Little Rocket': Vertical Fireworks for Shady Corners

Dramatic yet compact, Ligularia 'Little Rocket' bursts onto the midsummer scene with bold spikes of bright yellow flowers rising above deep green, serrated foliage. A smaller version of the classic Rocket ligularia, it brings upright flair and pollinator action to moist, shaded gardens.

Plant Characteristics:

• Height: 60–90 cm
• Spread: 45–60 cm, with a clumping habit
• Flower Colour: Bright yellow
• Flowering Period: Midsummer to late summer
• Foliage: Deep green, toothed and heart-shaped, with bold texture
• Sunlight Requirements: Part shade to full shade
• Soil Requirements: Moist, rich, well-drained soil; does not tolerate drought

Uses and Benefits: Ligularia 'Little Rocket' is perfect for compact shade gardens, pond edges, and woodland borders where a strong vertical accent is needed. Its bright flower spikes create a lively contrast with the dark, broad foliage below, while attracting bees and butterflies to the late-summer garden. Deer-resistant and long-lived, it thrives in consistently moist soil and brings drama without overwhelming smaller spaces.

Companion Plants: Combine Ligularia 'Little Rocket' with Hosta 'Empress Wu' to echo its bold scale and enhance the lush, tropical effect. Add Astilbe 'Fanal' for red feathery plumes that contrast strikingly with the ligularia’s yellow spires. Soften the base with Brunnera 'Sea Heart', whose silver-marbled leaves bring light and texture to the shaded setting.

Care Instructions: Plant in part to full shade with moist, humus-rich soil. Water regularly and avoid letting the soil dry out. Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Cut back spent flower stalks after blooming. Divide every 3–4 years in early spring if needed to rejuvenate growth.

History: Ligularia 'Little Rocket' is a compact hybrid derived from Ligularia stenocephala ‘The Rocket’, bred to offer the same striking floral display in a more manageable size. It has gained popularity for its bold yet refined look in shady, moist environments.

Final Thoughts: Bursting with form and colour, Ligularia 'Little Rocket' lights up the shade with a vertical spark—perfect for gardeners seeking drama, wildlife value, and elegant performance in damp, low-light spaces.