King Kong Ragwort

King Kong is a large-leaved Ligularia with glossy purple-black foliage and clusters of golden flowers on dark stems. This named selection suits a cool, moist, shaded garden; provide morning light or dappled shade and protect it from hot afternoon sun. [Perennials.com’s King Kong profile](https://www.perennials.com/plants/ligularia-dentata-king-kong.html) · [University of Minnesota Extension on Ligularia](https://extension.umn.edu/about/our-stories/news/writers-guild-article-ligularia-a-statement-in-your-garden) ## Foliage and flowers The clump grows about 3–4 feet tall and 3–4 feet wide, with leaves reported up to 16 inches across. Foliage emerges glossy purple-black and may mature toward burgundy or dark green; leaves can look greener in deeper shade. Golden flower clusters appear in mid to late summer. The flowers attract butterflies, and the large foliage gives the plant presence in a woodland border, waterside planting, or spacious container. Its patent listing identifies the named selection as Ligularia ‘King Kong’ and records U.S. Plant Patent 29,461, granted July 3, 2018. [Patent listing](https://patents.justia.com/patents-by-us-classification/PLT/448) · [NVK Nurseries’ exact-selection profile](https://www.nvknurseries.com/plant/Ligularia-dentata-King-Kong) ## Site and soil Grow King Kong in partial to full shade with evenly moist soil. It tolerates a range of soil moisture, but good drainage helps prevent stagnant conditions. Keep the root area from drying during warm weather; a cooler morning-sun site can work where afternoon shade is available. ## Maintenance Water during dry spells and remove spent flower stalks after blooming. Cut back old foliage when it begins to deteriorate, or leave it until spring if it remains attractive. Divide crowded clumps in spring, typically every three to four years.