Pruning leopard plant
Advice for October in the Netherlands
Leopard plant is also grown for its large foliage and has no compulsory pruning session. Remove old flower stalks if desired and retain healthy leaves until they die. Months are a guide for the Netherlands and Belgium; follow actual growth and flowering.
Leopard plant — October
Light trim only
Faded flower stalks can be removed individually if you dislike them. Do not cut the large healthy leaves with them: this Ligularia does not need a full post-flowering cut.
Pay attention to this
- Follow a flower stem to the base without damaging large leaf stalks.
- Check moisture and heat first when leaves wilt, rather than immediately reaching for shears.
- Cut only dead foliage above new crown buds.
Frequently asked questions
- Does leopard plant need hard cutting every year?
- No. Routine care consists of optionally removing faded stems and clearing dead foliage.
- Should wilted summer leaves be cut off?
- Not immediately. First check whether the soil is dry and heat is causing temporary drooping. Retaining healthy foliage takes priority.
- How can I cut without damaging new growth?
- Expose the old leaf stalks and cut individually above the crown. Do not sweep the blades across thick emerging buds.