Friday, July 25, 2008

Ligularia: The Rocket

Here's a shot (taken on July 17, 2008) facing East into the Ligularia planting where they are surrounded by the hollies, ferns and other Woodland Garden denizens ....

I'm sure this plant is no stranger to those who have woodland gardens or garden extensively in shady areas. This is one of our very favorite shade plants, Ligularia stenocephala 'The Rocket,' which has been happily growing in this spot for about 6 or 7 years now. Of course, right in front of this specimen you can see our other favorite, Ligularia dentata, 'Desdemona,' whose blooms couldn't be more different from 'The Rocket.' Whereas 'The Rocket' sends up spikes of yellow flowers that bloom from the bottom and work their way up, 'Desdemona' adopts an entirely different tactic of clusters of intense yellow flowers, that when seen from a distance almost fool you into thinking it's some sort of bizarre Black Eyed Susan. We used to see these driving around, but never quite knew what they were when we only saw them from the street. So we did a little digging around on the net and found out that they were relatives of our other Ligularia, though oh, so different in aspect.

Though I suspect that most gardeners probably choose both Ligularias for their striking foliage, (which is indeed reward enough for growing them), but I think the flowers, however fleeting, are a really great bonus that help cheer up sultry summer days in July and August in our Woodland Garden. If you grow Ligularia, you already know how crucial a consistently moist area is to achieving success with them. But if you're not familiar with it and would like to give it a try, here are a few hints to get them to excell for you.

They will tolerate a fair amount of indirect sun (ours is planted on the north side of the house and gets early morning and late afternoon light, but is otherwise in shade most of the day), but they will not tolerate drying out, and that's the surest way to kill them. So if you plant it, and see the slightest sign of wilting, don't wait, run to the garden hose and give it a good drink. Yes, it does look a bit wilted in this shot (it was a hot day), but don't worry, we had some storms move in that night and they took care of the watering for us, but when we have extended dry spells, this whole area gets significant attention when we water, because so many of its neighbors also want the same conditions. Aside from those cautions about light and water, Ligularia is really a very easy plant to grow ... just take into account that it will increase in size over time, so give it a plenty of room to stretch out. It prefers a fairly ordinary loamy, well drained soil with a good degree of organic matter in it (which, if you have a woodland garden, you probably already have). We have never fussed over ours in any way, other than to make sure they get watered when we're not having regular rains.

This shot makes me chuckle a bit about how Fernymoss framed it ... Yes, that Holly is pretty big, but it's not as tree sized as this shot might suggest, but I love this perspective on this particular section of the Woodland Garden. If you look closely, you'll also see one of our Polygonatum sneaking into the frame....

Ligularia stenocephala really begs that the flowers be seen up close and personal ... just look at those stamens! They've really got a party going on all the way up the bloom stalk! I've always thought they look like those paper blowout noise makers of birthday parties of yore ... and this year it's really on track to outdo itself, with no fewer than 10 or 12 bloom stalks from this one plant. 'The Rocket' has never disappointed us in the time it's been in our garden, and I wish we had the room for even more ... maybe when we finally start that shade garden under the maple in the back, we can plant more, but that's still a pipe dream at this point. I'd go all salesman on Shady Gardener, if I didn't already know she has it in her shady garden, but if by chance, some of you other readers haven't had the pleasure to grow Ligularia, I extend my heartiest recommendation to find a nice spot for it in your garden.

Fun stuff: For Harry Shearer fans out there ... Harry was on Countdown With Keith Olbermann, on July 23 talking about politics and his new album, Songs of the Bushmen, which is now available. Harry, as always, was entertaining, and sent up some really great barbs about the past 8 years. He was kind enough to allow KO to post three of the songs here, so if you'd like to see what he's been up to, check them out. (I particularly loved 935 Lies.)

60 comments:

Larry Kollar said...

Isn't "rocket" another name for arugula too?

Constantly moist… that would be where we pipe the kitchen/laundry drains into the back yard. ;-) I expected much better performance from the blackberry vines back there than what I got this year. The ones that grew wild with no (or minimal) help did the best.

Mother Nature said...

I saw the Ligularia in your Flickr Photos the other day and have been anticipating a post about them. I first saw the Leopard Plant as it is sometimes called in the Atlanta Botanical Garden and it was a variety with yellow spots distributed over the leaves. I have Ligularia dentata 'Desdemona' and now know from your post to water it more frequently. I love the fimbriated foliage on the taller one and also the vertical inflorescences.

Roses and Lilacs said...

The rocket, what a striking plant. I would be tempted if it didn't require so much watering. Nice foliage too.
Marnie

boran2 said...

These rockets are nice but probably to expansive for our garden. That closeup is epecially nice.

Shady Gardener said...

IVG, Thanks for the recognition/link! :-) I was so excited to see your post on Ligularia... and now I know how wonderful it will be looking before long (well, at least in 2 or 3 years!) ;-) I continue to inspect my plant (now that it's nearly one full year old) for buds... but none so far. I prefer The Rocket flowers, but I really do like Desmadona's foliage.

How are you? Have you had some busy days? I certainly have, but things all have a way of working out for the best. And soon I'll have to be adding my posting labels again! ;-)

Iowa Victory Gardener said...

Hey FAR,
Not that I knew, but there are lots of 'rocket' names for plants so there may be a variety called that. I haven't grown Arugula in a long time, and it, like lettuce, tends to bolt too fast to really use it.

If you try it, keep it out of hot direct sun, or you'll have one crispy plant on your hands!

Iowa Victory Gardener said...

Hey there MN,
Glad you were interested in this post! Funny, but I've never heard it called Leopard plant here, but have seen it referred to that way in resources. Isn't dentata a cool plant? We love having both because they are such distinctly different species, but that bronzy red foliage is hard to beat, even if it didn't have pretty blooms!

Iowa Victory Gardener said...

Hi Marnie,
The watering isn't excessive unless you have really dry soil as a rule or you're not getting regular rains. It's worth the effort!

Speaking of having to water a lot, I popped by quickly at your place today and saw you have heliotrope ... we have never had any luck with that because we can't seem to keep it watered enough and it always goes crispy on us. Wish we could get it to grow for us!

Iowa Victory Gardener said...

Hey B2,
One of these days you'll have to take some pics of your space, so I can get an idea of how much you're working with (or not). They do spread over time, but not outrageously.

Iowa Victory Gardener said...

Hey Shady,
I'd say that if your plant has a bit of size on it, you should at least get a few bloom stalks this year. They tend to increase every year, and this year is I think the most it's had so far (but it's at least 6 yrs old).

Did you just put 'Desdemona' in this year, seems to me you said you had just gotten one ... you're gonna love it.

We went by the house tonight where we first saw it years ago, and they have it planted alternately with those huge 'lily pad' Hostas (the kind I almost like, hehe) at the base of a hedge. They look really nice like that. The new one we planted this year bloomed prematurely (it was a pretty big plant we got at Hy Vee), so it's done now, but the original one has yet to bloom. You'll see it again when it does ... :-)

Gail said...

ivg,

I wrote a huge response to your comment and realized I was ranting! It was deleted and replaced with a nice sweet one! My rant was not about you but about global warming/developers/conservation/ you name it. So I said, go over and hang out with IVG...he's got a good head on his shoulder and he cares.

Are you feeling hopeful about the election? I do believe Obama as president could send a remarkable message to the rest of the world!

BTW, this beautiful plant hates my garden..too dry! he wilts an hour after watering! Goodness, he is lovely in your garden.

Gail

Iowa Victory Gardener said...

Hi Gail,
Sorry your climate is too unforgiving for The Rocket, and though that's disappointing for you, I do like to hear from people what does/doesn't work in their areas. I guess it must be just too hot/dry for him down your way.

No need to worry about ranting on occasion, lol... If you look back in my archives, I have a few pretty vociferous ones tucked away there, as long term readers well know. :-)

Climate Change is a big concern for us as well, and should be for everyone, gardener or not! Just in the time we've lived here (nearly 10 yrs now) we have detected significant changes in our winters/summers and how they have affected the plants and wildlife around us. And the evidence is quite plain everywhere around the world, as I'm sure you know! You may have seen this at TED, but if not, Al Gore gave a very good speech to TED (sort of an online speakers' forum on a variety of topics) in March, 2008 that you should see. The title is How Dare We Be Optimistic? and it's well worth the time to watch it. I wrote a post about it in the following link back in April. (link to video there)

http://urban-oasis.blogspot.com/2008/04/how-dare-we-be-optimistic.html

I'm trying to be optimistic about this election, but after the last 8 yrs of stolen elections and fear mongering, I am afraid many people will again let their lizard brains determine their votes (or Diebold rigs the game again), and it not go well. Depends what day you ask me, but the choice this time is so stark, that I hope people will finally wake up. I'm pretty optimistic Obama will carry Iowa, because he's got a huge supporter base here and it seems that lots of people really do like him and are in his corner. Time will tell, of course.

I think Obama made a great stride in his international message last week, but of course he's already getting slimed for being a messenger of hope and change. I just hope it doesn't stick. How would you characterize the political climate down your way? Hopeful? Hopeless? Unknown?

BTW, if you ever need to rant and don't want to put it in the comments, feel free to email me (addy is in the profile). I was going to get a few more things planted today, but it's beastly hot and humid and now T-storms are moving in. Guess I'll have to clean the bathroom instead, yuck. LOL

Anonymous said...

[url=http://firgonbares.net/][img]http://firgonbares.net/img-add/euro2.jpg[/img][/url]
[b]accounting office software, [url=http://firgonbares.net/]cheap software online[/url]
[url=http://firgonbares.net/][/url] software shops academic educational software
buy dreamwever [url=http://firgonbares.net/]deactivating adobe software[/url] design software to buy
[url=http://firgonbares.net/]ball software price[/url] selling a software
[url=http://firgonbares.net/]xp oem software[/url] educational software language
microsoft windows mobile 2003 software [url=http://firgonbares.net/]buy cheap software online[/b]

Mae from office plants said...

I am really glad to learn this information and I really appreciate your effort in posting this article.
This is really cool.
Thanks for fantastic post.

viagra online said...

I think that this is so interesting, I really like this kind of information , I know that some people love this kind of plants, I would like to have a similar garden!

Anonymous said...

[url=http://loveepicentre.com/taketour.php][img]http://loveepicentre.com/uploades/photos/7.jpg[/img][/url]
bali dating girls [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]dating personals gay oregon[/url] greek online dating
tips about boys and dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/]carbon dating a scam[/url] bbw people dating site
dating a gamer [url=http://loveepicentre.com/faq.php]who's miley cyrus dating[/url] free dating romance

Anonymous said...

[url=http://loveepicentre.com/map.php][img]http://loveepicentre.com/uploades/photos/5.jpg[/img][/url]
grant newman and sasha dunlap dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/success_stories.php]age dating of basalt[/url] 7 rules for dating my daughter
friendships loving teachers dating students singles [url=http://loveepicentre.com/taketour.php]bahrain dating[/url] horse dating website
mareille balke dating relatie [url=http://loveepicentre.com]100 free trials religious dating sites[/url] carbon dating science project

Anonymous said...

dating scotts screenwrite http://loveepicentre.com/articles.php internet dating the rules

Anonymous said...

hustler free ebook http://audiobooksworld.co.uk/fr/authors/?letter=Qv top 5 ebook readers [url=http://audiobooksworld.co.uk/John-C-Oxtoby/m63179/]free ebook on eye contact[/url] free engineer ebook
[url=http://audiobooksworld.co.uk/it/Endymion/p29925/][img]http://audiobooksworld.co.uk/image/4.gif[/img][/url]

Anonymous said...

technological advance in software development http://buyoemsoftware.co.uk/product-31547/LittleSnapper-1-5-MAC golf score software [url=http://buyoemsoftware.co.uk/fr/product-36501/MathMagic-Pro-Edition-For-QuarkXpress-5-5]what are the software engineering trends[/url] wedding planning software v 1.0.4 free
[url=http://buyoemsoftware.co.uk/product-37225/Notepad-Pro-3-2]Notepad Pro 3.2 - Software Store[/url] maxtor software utility
[url=http://buyoemsoftware.co.uk/category-100-111/System-Tools?page=7][img]http://buyoem.co.uk/image/4.gif[/img][/url]

Anonymous said...

maxtor power max bootable cd software http://buysoftwareonline.co.uk/fr/category-100-103/Graphiques-et-Publication?page=73 best free downloadable antivirus software [url=http://buysoftwareonline.co.uk/de/product-34608/Adobe-Creative-Suite-5-5-Master-Collection-MAC]good laboratory practice standards software[/url] accounting great plain software
[url=http://buysoftwareonline.co.uk/product-37170/VeryDOC-PowerPoint-Converter-2-0]VeryDOC PowerPoint Converter 2.0 - Software Store[/url] generations of software applications
[url=http://buysoftwareonline.co.uk/es/product-37143/Spot-Dialup-1-3][img]http://buyoem.co.uk/image/6.gif[/img][/url]

Anonymous said...

[url=http://onlinemedistore.com/products/alavert.htm][img]http://onlinemedistore.com/5.jpg[/img][/url]
christian pharmacy university http://onlinemedistore.com/products/fosamax.htm northeast pharmacy [url=http://onlinemedistore.com/products/famvir.htm]tarceva florida pharmacy[/url]
pharmacy hse ireland http://onlinemedistore.com/products/abana.htm pharmacy computer times magazine [url=http://onlinemedistore.com/products/zyprexa.htm]zyprexa[/url]
lanes mill pharmacy http://onlinemedistore.com/products/tulasi.htm save mart pharmacy porterville [url=http://onlinemedistore.com/products/procalisx.htm]watsons pharmacy jinan[/url]
life pharmacy albany nz http://onlinemedistore.com/products/norvasc.htm safeway pharmacy technican pay [url=http://onlinemedistore.com/products/acticin.htm]acticin[/url]

Anonymous said...

I have been reading out many of your articles and
i can state pretty clever stuff. I will surely bookmark your website.


Here is my blog :: site of dating

Anonymous said...

[url=http://redbrickstore.co.uk/categories/women-s-health.htm][img]http://onlinemedistore.com/6.jpg[/img][/url]
frontier pharmacy http://redbrickstore.co.uk/products/indocin.htm doctor scripts pharmacy [url=http://redbrickstore.co.uk/]pharmacy schools in arizona[/url]
cvs pharmacy locations http://redbrickstore.co.uk/products/antabuse.htm pharmacy drug prices [url=http://redbrickstore.co.uk/products/amitriptyline.htm]amitriptyline[/url]
techskills pharmacy tech program http://redbrickstore.co.uk/categories/cardiovascular.htm reprocicating florida pharmacy [url=http://redbrickstore.co.uk/catalogue/z.htm]university of arizona pharmacy[/url]
bupropion pharmacy http://redbrickstore.co.uk/products/alavert.htm websites of pharmacys in india [url=http://redbrickstore.co.uk/categories/stop-smoking.htm]stop smoking[/url]

Anonymous said...

I discovered your weblog web site on google and check a few of your early posts.
Proceed to maintain up the very good operate. I just further up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader.
Seeking ahead to reading extra from you later on!


Feel free to surf to my webpage - internet dating is

Anonymous said...

I savour, result in I found exactly what I was looking for.
You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man.
Have a great day. Bye

Look into my blog - iclipgospel.net

Anonymous said...

I do agree with all the ideas you've presented in your post. They are really convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are too short for novices. Could you please extend them a little from next time? Thanks for the post.

Here is my page - free dating sites for men

Anonymous said...

You made some nice points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found most persons will
go along with with your website.

Look into my website - online dating site free

Anonymous said...

I was more than happy to seek out this web-site.I wanted
to thanks in your time for this excellent learn!! I undoubtedly having fun with each
little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you weblog post.


My web blog; face book of sex

Anonymous said...

Wonderful paintings! This is the kind of information that are supposed to be shared across the
net. Disgrace on Google for no longer positioning this submit upper!
Come on over and consult with my web site . Thank
you =)

Also visit my webpage; www.pressreleasenews.net

Anonymous said...

I have been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.
It is pretty worth enough for me. In my opinion, if all web
owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the web will be much
more useful than ever before.

My webpage ... free website for dating

Anonymous said...

ent ambitions for fat-loss. While particular drugs temporarily
solve the issue, the awful side effects are certainly not worth it, and in addition they never offer you more than a short-term solution.
This is a known proven fact that 95% of fad diet plans fail. Thanks sharing your opinions on this web site.

my website online dating personal

Anonymous said...



My web blog ... http://www.kontaktlinsinformation.com/

Anonymous said...

One important thing is that if you are searching
for a student loan you may find that you will want
a co-signer. There are many conditions where this is correct because
you could find that you do not use a past credit history so
the loan company will require that you've got someone cosign the credit for you. Interesting post.

Feel free to surf to my homepage; website of dating

Anonymous said...

Magnificent beat ! I wish to apprentice while you amend your web site, how could i subscribe for a blog
web site? The account aided me a acceptable deal. I had been tiny bit acquainted of this your broadcast offered bright
clear idea

Feel free to surf to my web site fuck book

Anonymous said...

I'm extremely inspired with your writing abilities and also with the format in your weblog. Is this a paid theme or did you customize it your self? Anyway stay up the excellent quality writing, it's rare tо
ѕee a gгeat weblog like this one todaу.
.

Нere is my ρage; skin lightening home remedies

Anonymous said...

Have you ever thought about including a little bit more than just your articles?
I mean, what you say is valuable and everything.
However just imagine if you added some great visuals or videos
to give your posts more, "pop"! Your content is excellent but with images and video clips, this site could undeniably be one of the very best in its niche.
Amazing blog!

Review my weblog :: cyber sex

Anonymous said...

The subsequent time I learn a blog, I hope that it doesnt disappoint me as much as this one.

I mean, I know it was my option to learn, but I truly thought youd have something fascinating to say.
All I hear is a bunch of whining about something that you could repair in the event
you werent too busy on the lookout for attention.



Here is my blog; fuck book

Anonymous said...

I do not even know the way I finished up right here, however I believed this submit was great.
I do not recognise who you might be but certainly you're going to a famous blogger should you aren't
already ;) Cheers!

Also visit my web blog :: facebook sex

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the thoughts you share through this blog. In addition, a
lot of young women who seem to become pregnant will not
even seek to get medical care insurance because they have anxiety they might not qualify.

Although a lot of states now require insurers
offer coverage regardless of pre-existing conditions.
Premiums on these kind of guaranteed programs are usually
greater, but when taking into consideration the high cost of medical care it may
be a new safer strategy to use to protect one's financial potential.

Also visit my site facebook sex

Anonymous said...

It's impressive that you are getting thoughts from this paragraph as well as from our argument made here.

My web-site; acoustic guitar a chord

Anonymous said...

I read this post fully concerning the difference of newest and preceding technologies,
it's remarkable article.

Check out my site: sky hd package half price

Anonymous said...

Get Adventureland Whole Movie - Readily available Free Within the law?


My web blog: Doyle

Anonymous said...

Thinking about receiving 2011: New You are able to City Business, Retail In addition to
Industrial Current market Report

Look into my web site :: Panasonic PT-AE8000

Anonymous said...

Reliability Dth

Feel free to visit my blog ... Optoma HD33

Anonymous said...

christian dating and personals http://loveepicentre.com/faq/ free discrete dating sites
gay interracial dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/testimonials/]top adult dating swinger sex[/url] new age singles dating michigan
no connection no attraction dating [url=http://loveepicentre.com/faq/]dating lucah vcd[/url] formula to determine dating age rage [url=http://loveepicentre.com/user/666malcolm/]666malcolm[/url] funny lines form the dating game

Anonymous said...

Incredible! I'm truly enjoying the layout of your weblog. Are you using a custom theme or is this freely available to all users? If you do not want to say the name of it out in the general public, please make sure to e-mail me. I'd absolutely love to get my hands
on this template! Bless you.

More to follow on my website How To Golf App

Anonymous said...

A good Tradition connected with Excellence Toted Forth

Here is my web site - video to mp3 online

Anonymous said...

Saved as a favorite, I really like your site!

Here is my blog; website ()

Anonymous said...

High definition tv Formats 1080p : 720p : 1080i :
720i What The lot Means

Here is my weblog; representational

Anonymous said...

(#( then|getting} the help of a hypnotist or an experienced therapist is
advisable. Once the person is in a hypnotic trance, suggestions can be expressed.


Visit my page - burg

Anonymous said...

Samsung Electronics Cellphones Fill Every one of your Needs

Feel free to visit my blog :: proprietary []

Anonymous said...

What exactly are Data Projectors Plus Why Can you Want A particular

my web blog paday loans uk

Anonymous said...

Acquire Eagle Attention Movie -- Simple, Easy, And Genuine, Ready?


Here is my blog payday loans

oakleyses said...

wedding dress, iphone 6 case, converse shoes, moncler, pandora jewelry, hollister canada, parajumpers outlet, moncler, moncler, canada goose pas cher, moncler, oakley, moncler outlet, vans, coach outlet, pandora uk, canada goose, supra shoes, hollister clothing, ugg, uggs canada, ray ban, canada goose, lancel, pandora charms, moncler, juicy couture outlet, links of london uk, juicy couture outlet, gucci, ralph lauren, hollister, thomas sabo uk, louboutin, karen millen, moncler, montre femme, swarovski jewelry, toms outlet, replica watches, air max, converse, nike air max, canada goose uk, timberland shoes, baseball bats, louis vuitton canada, swarovski uk

chenlina said...

chenlina20171123
michael kors outlet
jordans
ray ban
doudoune canada goose
michael kors outlet
coach
christian louboutin outlet
ugg boots
pandora charms
juicy couture

wk said...

0728jejenike air huarache premium chaussure pour femme Nike Shox nike femme a talon Qualifier une autre boutique asics en france société de sneaker air jordan pour bébé pas cher célèbre. Nike nike chaussures de sport Shox Livrer contre les nike air force 1 femme avis plus petits femme nike roshe run argent noir rose baskets basses fabricants de asics chaussure course à pied chaussures.

Unknown said...

www1026

dsquared2
prada shoes
coach outlet
north face
off white clothing
mbt shoes
coach factory outlet
ugg outlet clearance
moncler outlet
moncler jackets




Anonymous said...

Constantly moist… that would be where we pipe the kitchen/laundry drains into the back yard. ;-) I expected much better performance from the blackberry vines back there than what I got this year. The ones that grew wild with no (or minimal) help did the best.

black salwar kameez girl
black punjabi suit for girls

m said...

مقاول بناء استراحات وشاليهات
مقاول في الرياض
مقاول تشطيبات