Behind the Wood Shed

I've moved a spotty Ligularia (a Leopard Plant) into this narrow border behind the wood shed, and it is appreciating the shelter from the hot summer sun and the slight winter frosts. What a beautiful foliage plant this is!

spotty ligularia (Leopard Plant) - 2004

Spot the Spots!

These plants are good fun, although I would appreciate bigger spots! I grow another clump down by the water race in a sheltered foliage garden - even harder to spot its spots!

Ligularias have shiny green leaves, and look good with green neighbours of contrasting texture. Behind the wood shed this Ligularia has a large green coarse carex grass on one side and a magenta flowered perennial geranium on the other.

Below is a much older photo of the same plant. You'll see that the overall size doesn't change much over the years. Nor should the colour of the vegetation - blame the cameras!

spotty ligularia (Leopard Plant) - 2000

Update - 2010

Aargh! That coarse green carex grass is a pest! In 2007 I dug them all out - well, so I thought. Now in 2010 I find they are back - brighter, bigger, and greener than ever. Far too much of a good thing methinks - just a few well-behaved leaves would make a lovely contrast... The Leopard plants survive, but they don't seem to be spreading much. Wonder why?