Ligularia dentata ‘BBQ Banana’

This is a real head-turner we’ve brought into our perennial selection for its fantastic foliage. Ligularia ‘BBQ Banana’ has large, heart-shaped leaves in a rich chocolatey-maroon colour. Then, from mid-summer, tall stems rise up carrying clusters of bright, golden-yellow flowers that contrast brilliantly with the dark leaves below. It brings a touch of the tropics to a shady corner.

This plant forms a generous clump, reaching up to about 1.2 metres in height when in flower, and spreading to around 0.9 metres. It’s a perennial that loves consistently moist, rich soil and is happiest in partial or even full shade. Hot afternoon sun can cause the big leaves to wilt, though they usually recover as the temperature drops. It’s a great solution for those boggy or poorly drained spots in the garden where other plants might struggle.

The key to keeping ‘BBQ Banana’ happy is moisture; don’t let the soil dry out. We find adding a good layer of mulch helps to keep the roots cool and damp. After the flowers have finished, you can prune away the spent stems. It’s a superb choice for the back of a shady border or making a statement beside a pond.