Britt Marie Crawford Leopard Plant

Britt Marie Crawford Leopard Plant (Ligularia dentata 'Britt Marie Crawford') is a herbaceous perennial that grows 50cm to 1m tall and wide, with broad rounded leaves in deep bronze-black and golden daisy flowers held clear of the foliage in summer and autumn. It is one of the few dramatic foliage plants that enjoys wet, heavy soil, so it is the answer for the damp corner where everything else sulks. It also holds the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Why you'll love it

• Foliage that stands out. Rounded leaves in a dark bronze-black set off almost any green or silver planting around them.
• Golden daisies for months. Starry golden flowers rise clear of the leaves from summer into autumn, and bees visit them.
• Happy in wet and heavy soil. Seasonally wet, moist or clay soil that rots many perennials suits it well.
• Frost hardy. It copes with frost, so it can be planted in cool gardens as well as mild ones.
• Works in a big pot too. Where there is no damp patch, a large pot of moist mix keeps it content.

Where it works best

Bog gardens and creekside planting. Plant beside a dam, creek or pond edge, or in the low spot where water collects, about 70cm apart. The leaves fill the gap quickly and shade the soil.

Mixed flower borders. Pair the dark leaves with pale or yellow flowers, silver foliage and ferns, and give each plant 70cm of room to mature.

Underplanting and pots. In part shade it makes a bold underplanting beneath trees, and in a large container it brings height and colour to a courtyard.

Growing Britt Marie Crawford Leopard Plant in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade. In hot summers part shade protects the leaves from scorching, while in cooler southern gardens it takes more sun. It is frost hardy and suits subtropical, warm temperate and cool temperate climates.

Soil. It likes seasonally wet or moist soil and copes with heavy clay, which is unusual for a perennial. On light sandy ground, dig in plenty of compost to hold moisture.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks until it is established, and keep the soil moist through summer, because dry ground makes the big leaves flop. Fertilise once a year with a slow release fertiliser for lush, healthy growth.

Pruning. In colder gardens the foliage can die back over winter, and the plant reshoots in spring, so tidy away the old leaves then. Watch for snails and slugs, which find young leaves of this plant hard to resist.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Britt Marie Crawford Leopard Plant as tube stock only: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Plant out soon after arrival, water in well and keep the ground damp through the first summer. Expect a modest clump in the first year, filling out over the following seasons.

Tube stock is supplied by our grower, and supply comes and goes. A sold out tube simply means the grower has none today, so press the notify button on the page and we will email you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Plants for partial shade
• Plants that grow well in pots
• Perennial plants for a cottage garden
• Shade gardening in Australia: what to plant where

Common questions

Will it grow in clay that stays wet?

Yes, that is where it does best. Just keep it from drying out in summer, because wilting is its main complaint.

Does it lose its leaves in winter?

It is a herbaceous perennial, so in cold gardens the foliage can die back and return in spring. Frost does not kill the plant.

Is it safe for pets?

We do not list it as pet safe. Like several members of the daisy family, it is best kept away from animals and children that chew plants.