Ligularia dent. 'Othello'

Description and Characteristics

Ligularia dentata 'Othello' is a bold, striking herbaceous perennial known for its dramatic contrasting foliage and vibrant orange-yellow daisy-like flowers. It is a cultivar of Ligularia dentata, native to eastern Asia, and is especially valued for its ornamental leaves, which are broad, kidney- to heart-shaped, and deep green with rich purple undersides and veins—giving the plant a moody, architectural quality.

From mid to late summer, ‘Othello’ sends up sturdy stems bearing clusters of daisy-style flowers with a golden-orange hue and dark centres. These provide a welcome burst of colour just as many earlier perennials begin to fade. Its flowers attract bees and butterflies, while the foliage adds texture and contrast to shaded or moist planting schemes.

Mature plants typically grow to 90–120 cm in height and 75–90 cm in spread, forming a bold clump of foliage that pairs well with other shade-loving plants.

• Large, glossy green leaves with purple undersides

• Orange-yellow daisy-like blooms held above foliage in summer

• Height: 90–120 cm; Spread: 75–90 cm

• Flowering period: July to September

• Excellent for moist borders, pond edges, and shaded beds

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Ligularia dentata 'Othello' prefers cool, moist conditions and performs best in partial shade, where its foliage won’t scorch in the sun. It requires consistent moisture, especially in hot weather, and benefits from good soil enrichment and space to expand.

• Light Requirements:

  • Thrives in partial shade to full shade

  • Can tolerate morning sun but requires moisture and protection from hot afternoon sun

• Soil Preferences:

  • Requires moist, rich, well-drained soil

  • Ideal for loamy or clay soils with organic matter

  • Performs best in neutral to slightly acidic pH

• Watering Needs:

  • Needs regular watering, particularly in dry periods

  • Avoid letting soil dry out—leaves wilt quickly

  • Mulch in spring to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to promote foliage and flower development

  • Top-dress with compost or leaf mould annually

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Remove spent flowers to keep plant tidy

  • Cut back flower stalks and withered leaves in late autumn

  • In spring, clear away any dead foliage to allow new growth

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 4–8 (RHS H7)

  • No special winter protection needed, though mulching helps insulate roots

  • Foliage dies back completely in winter and re-emerges in spring

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Value

Ligularia 'Othello' is a superb choice for adding texture, drama, and late-season colour to shaded or moisture-retentive areas of the garden. Its bold foliage and sunny flowers provide contrast and interest across a range of planting styles.

• Design Applications:

  • Excellent in moist borders, woodland gardens, and pond margins

  • Great for shady foundation plantings or transitional areas between sun and shade

  • Perfect for bold foliage contrasts in large beds or naturalistic designs

• Companion Plants:

  • Pairs beautifully with Hostas, Astilbes, Ferns, Brunnera, and Rodgersia

  • Combines well with Pulmonaria, Tiarella, and other shade perennials

  • Contrasts effectively with fine-leaved grasses and silver foliage plants

• Pollinator Benefits:

  • Summer flowers are rich in nectar, attracting bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

  • Supports late-season insects when few other perennials are in bloom

  • Ideal for pollinator-friendly and biodiversity gardens

• Container Use:

  • Can be grown in large, deep containers in shaded patios or courtyards

  • Ensure compost remains consistently moist and never dries out

  • Feed and water regularly for best results

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • May be affected by slugs and snails, especially on young or soft foliage

  • Generally resistant to most diseases

  • Avoid overcrowding and maintain good airflow to reduce mildew risk

We currently only deliver within the island of Ireland, other countries can be quoted for by contacting [email protected] or via telephone on 06964084
 

Standard Delivery is FREE on orders over €250*

All standard deliveries will be completed within 5-7 working days via Fastway Couriers, any delay to this delivery time, the customer will be notified by One of our staff.

The in-Store delivery charge will vary compared with online, in-store delivery charge is done on a case by case basis. 

* Only mainland Ireland addresses qualify for free delivery.
 

Live Plants Delivery

Our live plants are packed with care and diligence by our staff, our horticulturists review each plant before despatch to ensure quality is maintained.
Live Plant delivery charges are not calculated on weight but on the space required per package to ensure safe delivery, so delivery charges may vary as some plants require more space than others when packed.
All live plants are despatched within 3-5 working days where possible, our couriers aim to deliver within 48 hours of despatch from our Garden Centre to allow the plant to arrive in healthy condition.
 

Click & Collect

Can’t wait for delivery? Why not try our FREE Click & Collect service? Simply make your purchase online and collect it from our store located in Croagh Co. Limerick. Our staff will contact you by phone when your order is ready for collection (Please allow 24 hours minimum). When collecting your item, call the store on 069-64084. We will then load into your car as required. This service is available in-store 9am – 6pm Monday – Saturday (No collections on Sundays)

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If you have any further questions about the online order payment please contact us via ­069 640 84 or mail.