Tractor Seat Plant

Ligularia reniformis, Tractor Seat Plant, is available in 20cm pots. Big lush and green, this garden favorite is ready to plant.

Ligularia reniformis – Tractor Seat Plant 🚜🌿

Ligularia reniformis, commonly known as the Tractor Seat Plant, is a bold, architectural perennial known for its large, glossy, kidney-shaped (reniform) leaves. This tropical-looking plant thrives in shade and is a fantastic addition to moist, lush gardens, containers, and shaded landscapes.

🌱 General Information:

• Family: Asteraceae
• Genus: Ligularia
• Common Names: Tractor Seat Plant, Giant Leopard Plant, Kidney-leaved Ligularia
• Native Region: China & Japan
• Growth Habit: Clump-forming herbaceous perennial

🌞 Growing Conditions:

• Light: Prefers partial to full shade (protect from harsh afternoon sun)
• Soil: Moist, well-draining, rich, humus-filled soil (loamy or slightly acidic)
• Watering: Likes consistent moisture; do not let it dry out completely
• Temperature: Hardy, prefers warm, humid climates
• Humidity: Thrives in high humidity; great for tropical and subtropical gardens

🌿 Foliage & Flowers:

• Leaves:
  • Large, round, glossy green leaves resembling a tractor seat
  • Can grow up to 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) wide
  • Evergreen in warm climates but may die back in colder areas
• Flowers:
  • Bright yellow, daisy-like flowers on tall stems in late summer to autumn
  • Attracts bees and pollinators
• Height & Spread:
  • Grows up to 1 meter (3 feet) tall and wide

✂️ Care & Maintenance:

• Pruning:
  • Remove damaged or yellowing leaves to maintain its tidy look
  • Cut back old flower stalks after blooming
• Fertilizing:
  • Feed with a slow-release, balanced fertilizer in spring and midsummer
  • Mulch well to retain moisture and enrich the soil
• Pests/Diseases:
  • Watch for slugs and snails, which love the large leaves
  • Can suffer from fungal leaf spots if airflow is poor
• Propagation:
  • Best propagated by division in early spring or autumn
  • Seeds can be used, but division is much faster

🏡 Uses & Benefits:

• Shaded Garden Feature: Creates a lush, tropical look in shaded spaces
• Container Gardening: Grows well in large pots for patios and balconies
• Bog & Water Gardens: Thrives in damp, near-water areas
• Pollinator Attraction: Bright flowers bring in bees and butterflies

🌟 Pro Tip:
To prevent leaf wilting, keep the soil consistently moist and avoid direct afternoon sun. If planting in full shade, ensure good airflow to prevent fungal issues.