Ligularia 'The Rocket'

Description and Characteristics

Ligularia ‘The Rocket’ is a bold and dramatic herbaceous perennial grown for its striking architectural presence, large textured foliage, and towering yellow flower spikes. This cultivar is a popular member of the Ligularia family (also known as Ligularia stenocephala ‘The Rocket’), loved for adding height and contrast in damp, shady spots.

The plant features large, serrated, heart-shaped leaves of deep green, which form a lush mound at the base. From mid- to late summer, it sends up tall, narrow flower spikes—up to 1.5 to 2 metres high—adorned with starry yellow flowers that resemble a vertical rocket plume, hence the name.

It performs best in moist or even boggy conditions, and is ideal for pond margins, woodland edges, or shaded borders where it adds drama, height, and texture. Its blooms are attractive to bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators, and its foliage remains impressive even after the flowering season ends.

• Large, bold deep green foliage

• Tall spikes of bright yellow flowers in summer

• Flowering period: July to August

• Height: 1.5–2 m; Spread: 75–90 cm

• Upright, clump-forming habit

• Excellent for moist borders, wildlife gardens, and shade planting

Growing Conditions and Maintenance

Ligularia ‘The Rocket’ thrives in cool, damp soils and appreciates partial shade, although it can tolerate sun with sufficient moisture. It requires consistent watering, especially during warm periods, to prevent wilting.

• Light Requirements:

  • Prefers partial shade, especially in warmer climates

  • Will tolerate full sun only if soil remains constantly moist

• Soil Preferences:

  • Requires moist to wet, humus-rich soil

  • Performs well in heavy clay or loamy soil, particularly with good organic matter

  • Ideal pH range: neutral to slightly acidic

• Watering Needs:

  • Needs regular watering, particularly during dry spells

  • Not drought-tolerant—leaves wilt quickly if soil dries out

  • Mulch annually to help retain moisture

• Feeding:

  • Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in spring

  • Enrich with compost or well-rotted manure in autumn or spring

• Deadheading and Pruning:

  • Remove faded flower stalks to maintain appearance

  • Cut back foliage to ground level in late autumn or early spring

  • Remove any damaged leaves throughout the growing season

• Winter Care:

  • Hardy in Zones 4–8 (RHS H7)

  • Fully frost-hardy; mulch helps insulate roots in exposed or cold areas

  • Deciduous—will die back in winter and regrow in spring

Garden Uses, Companion Plants, and Pollinator Benefits

Ligularia 'The Rocket' is ideal for moist, shaded gardens, where it contributes dramatic form and colour. Its tall flowers and bold leaves offer a sculptural quality, making it a reliable centrepiece in the right conditions.

• Design Applications:

  • Perfect for shady borders, damp woodland gardens, and boggy areas

  • Excellent choice for pond edges and stream margins

  • Adds contrast in mixed perennial borders or naturalistic plantings

• Companion Plants:

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

  • Contrasts well with fine-leaved grasses like Deschampsia or Carex

  • Complements shade lovers like Pulmonaria, Brunnera, and Heuchera

• Pollinator Support:

  • Tall flower spikes attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators

  • Useful in wildlife gardens for nectar support during midsummer

  • Flowers produce pollen and nectar over several weeks

• Container and Bog Use:

  • Not ideal for small containers due to size and moisture demands

  • Thrives in bog gardens or rain gardens with poor drainage

  • In large troughs or barrels, ensure consistent watering and shade

• Pest and Disease Resistance:

  • May be affected by slugs and snails, particularly on young leaves

  • Generally disease-resistant; occasional mildew may appear in dry or cramped conditions

  • Ensure good airflow and consistent soil moisture for best results

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.