Giant Evergreen Ligularia or Tractor Seat Plant. Frankly, I had never heard the name "Tractor Seat Plant" until one of our customers texted me so see if we had this selection. I actually had to "google" the name to see what she was talking about. Well, the name fits perfectly. After first seeing this Giant Ligularia some years back, I was convinced that it must surely not be very cold hardy. But upon seeing it at Duke Gardens in Durham, NC, after one of our more severe winters doing quite well, I'm now convinced that it must be a really good plant even in the upper reaches of the Deep South. With leaves much more glossy than the species and twice the size, when beholding this cultivar for the first time, it is an awesome experience. I'm told that the word "awesome" is far too overused, but when the word "terrible" is used in the KJV of the Bible, newer translations use the word "awesome" instead. So if I say it is "terrible good," all of you Southerners know what I'm talking about. It has the same 36" flower stalks as the species with its bright yellow daisy-like flowers. But probably one of the better attributes of this genus is that every cultivar that I have never been touched by a deer. The best proof of this is on Frip Island, SC, where one never gets out of sight of not just one, but several deer. Although its foliage will be magnificent in fairly deep shade, one will get the best flower production if a plant receives good strong filtered sun or a few hours of direct sun.
Zones 7-10
