Ligularia hodgsonii
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −28.9 °C
Cultivation
Prefers a deep moist or even boggy fertile humus-rich soil. Plants often wilt on bright windy days. The young growth in spring is very susceptible to damage by slugs and snails. Plants are growing very well at Kew[K].
Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Edible uses
Leaves and stems - cooked.
Medicinal uses
The root is antitussive, diuretic and expectorant. The plant has shown anticancer activity and is a folk cure for cancer.
Habitat
Mountains in C. and N. Japan.
Native range
E. Asia - China, Japan and Russia