Ligularia reniformis

The Tractor Seat Plant

If you are looking for a great foliage plant for a shaded position, then Ligularia reniformis commonly called the ‘tractor seat plant’ is one to consider.

Also known as Farfugium japonicum Giganteum and widely seen as Ligularia ‘Designer Verde’, you could well describe this perennial as a feature plant or a designer plant, however it is really the texture of the large glossy leaves that best describe its attraction.

Native to China and Japan, the Tractor Seat Plant is clump forming perennial, overtime it will spread to form a good clump. It is evergreen in temperate climates, however in colder climates it will die back over winter.

This is a plant that can reach 70cm to 1 metre in height, it can be grown in a container in shaded courtyard if desired.

How to Grow Ligularia reniformis

Light shade and a well drained humus rich soil along with some moisture are the main requirements.

Deep shade will result in poor growth so aim for light dappled shade, or morning sun and light afternoon shade.

This is a plant that grows from an underground rhizome, and this rhizome needs to be around 4 – 5 cm (1inch or so) beneath the surface of the soil.

If you are replating from a pot, then plant it at the same depth it was originally.

• Before planting prepare the soil well by digging in good amounts of well rotted compost and aged cow or sheep manure.
• Plant in spring as the weather warms up or in late summer.
• Water in well with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
• Mulch lightly around the plant.
• Water in summer during long dry periods, however do not allow the soil to become wet and soggy.

This is a plant that will naturally multiply and form a clump. Every 3 – 4 years it is best to dig and divide the plant for optimal growth.

Where should I Plant My Tractor Seat Plant ?

The best place to plant your Tractor Set plant is a moist soil and a position in light shade.

Avoid hot afternoon sun.

Choose a position where the foliage can be a highlight, so close to the front of the border, or with very low growing plants in front of it.

Growing The Tractor Seat Plant Indoors

Yes, you can grow the Tractor Seat Plant indoors as well as in containers on a shaded patio or balcony, just remember to water regularly.

Indoors you will need to use a good quality potting mix and a pot with good drainage holes.

1. Transfer your new plant to a container that is not too large for the size of the plant.
2. Use new potting mix around the root ball and firm in.
3. Water in with a liquid seaweed fertiliser.
4. Choose a position where the plant receives good indirect light, or better still a little morning sun and then indirect light.
5. Make sure the plant is situated away from cold drafts as well as heating ducts.
6. Keep the soil moist, allowing the soil to dry just a little between waterings.
7. Frequency of watering will depend mainly on the type of potting mix and temperature.
8. Fertilise with an indoor plant fertiliser, a liquid fertiliser is good, or try a controlled release fertiliser such as Osmocote for indoor plants..

What is the best fertiliser for the tractor seat plant?

Any slow release balanced organic fertiliser applies in early spring and a gain in late summer.
If you are growing the plant indoors use an indoor slow release fertiliser, again twice a year.

You could also use aged cow manure applied each spring just before you replace the mulch.

Pruning

Deadheading after flowering is all that is usually required. If the plant is subjected to frosts, prune the damaged leaves away in early spring as the the weather warms.

Problems

Really the only problems are firstly that in cold winters it tends to die back and look a little tatty. Secondly, it is susceptible to leaf eating insects and slugs and snails.

Ligularia reniformis Summary Information

• Botanical Name – Ligularia reniformis,  Syn. Ligularia giganteum, Ligularia tussilaginea, Farfugium japonicum var. giganteum, Farfugium reniforme.
• Common Name – Tractor Seat Plant
• Family – Asteracea
• Origins – Japan.
• Height – To around 1m
• Spread – will form a clump to around .5m.
• Growth rate – Medium to fast
• Position – Dappled shade to shade.
• Soil – Moist and well drained
• Flowering Time – Summer
• Flower Colour – Yellow
• Foliage – Large glossy green.
• Frost tolerant – No.
• Drought tolerant – No.

Where To Buy

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