Product Description
Ligularia 'Big Green Tractor' PPAF (30)ct Flat
Common Name: Goldenray
Formerly known as L. 'Tractor Seat'
L. japonica hybrid. A very large Ligularia perfect for making a dramatic statement in the shade garden. Deep green leaves are massive reaching 16" across at maturity. A serrated margin surrounds each dissected leaf for a standout foliage presence. Golden yellow flowers have long petals. Best performance in morning sun or filtered shade; flowering will be diminished in deep shade.
Ligularias are at their best when grown in cool, moist locations in part shade. Protection from the hot, afternoon sun in the south is essential to prevent wilting. They are a natural for the pond side where there is a constant supply of moisture, though they do require good drainage.
Height: 3.5 Feet
Spread: 4.5 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 4,5,6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Yellow/Gold Shades
Foliage Color: Green shades
Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Consistent Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Midsummer
Attracts Butterflies
Bee Friendly
Deer Resistant
Growth Rate: Medium
Bog Plant, Border Plant, Container, Cut Foliage, Mass Planting, Specimen, Focal Point
Ligularia 'Big Green Tractor' is a bold and dramatic plant that makes a statement in any shade garden. It was formerly known as Ligularia 'Tractor Seat', which gives you a good idea of the shape of its large, eye-catching leaves. Here is a breakdown of its key features:
Appearance:
- Leaves: The most striking feature of 'Big Green Tractor' is its massive, deep green leaves. These can grow up to 16 inches wide, resembling the shape of a tractor seat. Each leaf is deeply lobed with a serrated margin, adding to its bold and textured appearance.
- Flowers: In mid-summer, tall stems rise above the foliage, bearing clusters of bright golden-yellow, daisy-like flowers. These add a cheerful touch to the shade garden and attract pollinators like butterflies.
- Size: This Ligularia is a large plant, typically reaching 3-4 feet tall and 4-5 feet wide. Its substantial size makes it a great choice for the back of the border or as a focal point in a shade garden.
Growing Information:
- Light: 'Big Green Tractor' prefers partial to full shade. While it can tolerate some sun, it is best to provide protection from the hot afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates.
- Soil: It thrives in moist, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Adding compost or well-rotted manure to the planting hole will help to improve soil fertility and drainage.
- Moisture: This Ligularia loves moisture and will perform best in consistently moist soil. It is a great choice for rain gardens, bog gardens, or areas that tend to stay damp.
- Hardiness: 'Big Green Tractor' is hardy in USDA zones 4-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates.
Other Notable Features:
- Architectural Presence: The large, bold leaves of 'Big Green Tractor' add a strong architectural element to the shade garden.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright yellow flowers are attractive to pollinators like butterflies, making it a valuable addition to a pollinator-friendly garden.
- Deer Resistant: This Ligularia is generally resistant to deer, making it a good choice for gardens where deer are a problem.
Uses in the Garden:
- Back of the Border: Its tall size makes it a great choice for the back of the border in a shade garden.
- Specimen Plant: Its unique appearance makes it a great specimen plant, drawing the eye and adding a touch of drama to the garden.
- Mass Plantings: 'Big Green Tractor' creates a stunning display when planted in groups, where the mass of large leaves can create a bold statement.
- Bog Gardens and Rain Gardens: Its tolerance for wet conditions makes it an excellent choice for bog gardens and rain gardens.
Additional Tips:
- Provide Support: The tall flower stems may need staking or support, especially in windy conditions.
- Divide Clumps: Divide clumps every few years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.
- Remove Spent Flowers: Deadheading the spent flowers can help to prolong the blooming period and keep the plant looking tidy.
Ligularia 'Big Green Tractor' is a truly impressive plant that's sure to add a touch of boldness and drama to your shade garden. Its large, unique leaves, bright flowers, and adaptability make it a standout choice for any gardener looking to make a statement.
Thirty (30) plants per flat (or tray). Approximate Plug Measurements: 3 inches deep x 2 inches wide.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
