Ligularia reniformis
Ligularia reniformis, commonly known as the Tractor Seat Plant, is a striking perennial that adds a touch of drama to any garden. With its large, glossy-green, kidney-shaped leaves, this plant serves as a highly fashionable structural element in landscape designs. It reaches a mature height and width of 1m, making it a great medium-sized plant. In mid-summer, it produces distinctive yellow-orange daisy-like flowers on tall stems. This versatile plant thrives in a range of conditions - from full sun to shade - and is particularly well-suited for moist, free-draining soils in dappled light. It's winter-dormant, meaning it will die back in colder months only to erupt with fresh growth in the spring. Tolerant to mild frost and medium wind conditions, it's a hardy choice for various New Zealand climates.
Trimming: Trim back dead or damaged leaves as needed to maintain a tidy appearance. In early spring, cut back any remaining old foliage to allow new growth to emerge.
Deadheading: Remove spent flower stalks after flowering to tidy the plant and encourage new growth.
Fertilising: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to support robust growth. A second application in mid-summer can be beneficial in nutrient-poor soils.
Watering: Ligularia reniformis prefers consistently moist soil. Water regularly, especially during hot, dry periods, ensuring the soil stays evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around the base to help retain moisture.
Pest Control: Watch for common pests such as slugs and snails, which can cause significant damage to the large leaves. Use organic slug pellets or hand-pick to control them.
Disease Management: Be vigilant for signs of powdery mildew and root rot. Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves and can be treated with fungicides. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overcrowding to reduce the risk of mildew. Improve soil drainage and avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. Remove and dispose of any infected foliage to prevent the spread of disease.
Enjoy complimentary delivery anywhere in mainland New Zealand when you purchase plants worth $250 or more*.
For orders below $250, the following flat-rate delivery charges are applicable:
- Urban delivery within mainland New Zealand: $19.95
- Rural delivery within mainland New Zealand: $39.95
- Waiheke, Chatham and Great Barrier Islands: Please contact us for shipping options.
We aim to have all orders shipped within 14 days from the order date, unless a different shipping date is specified alongside a product.
