THE ROCKET RAGWORT

The 'Rocket' Ligularia (Ligularia stenocephala 'The Rocket') is an award-winning herbaceous perennial, renowned for bringing bold texture and dramatic height to the shady garden. Taller and larger than 'Little Rocket', 'The Rocket' typically reaches an impressive 4 to 5 feet tall with a spread of 2 to 3 feet, making it an excellent specimen plant or backdrop for a perennial border. Foliage forms a dense, attractive mound of large, coarsely-toothed, triangularly heart-shaped, light green leaves that provide significant ornamental value even when the plant is not in bloom. In mid-summer, towering, thick, purplish-black flower spikes rise well above the basal foliage, densely packed with clusters of bright, lemon-yellow, daisy-like blossoms.

Successful cultivation of 'The Rocket' hinges on meeting its high moisture requirements and protecting it from intense summer heat. It must be grown in deep, rich, humusy soil that remains consistently moist, thriving particularly well near streams, ponds, or in bog gardens, though good drainage is still necessary to prevent root rot. Plant it in part shade or dappled shade; while it can tolerate morning sun, it must be protected from the hot afternoon sun, which will cause the large leaves to wilt and droop, even if the soil is adequately wet. To keep the plant tidy and encourage potential re-bloom, deadhead the spent flower spikes.