Bigleaf ligularia in November: monthly care

Ligularia dentata does not require regular pruning in the traditional sense, but it does benefit from seasonal tidying to keep it looking its best and to support healthy growth. The main pruning windows are March and November, corresponding to early spring and late autumn. In November, after the first frosts have blackened the foliage, cut back the spent flower stems and dying leaves to ground level. This autumn tidy-up prevents the plant from looking untidy over winter and removes potential hiding places for slugs and snails, which are common pests of ligularia. Use clean secateurs or garden shears for the job. You can leave the foliage standing if you prefer some winter structure, but it will collapse into a soggy mass by late winter and need clearing anyway. In March, before new growth emerges, check for any remaining dead stems or foliage you missed in autumn and remove them. This is also a good moment to clear away old mulch and apply fresh material. If your ligularia has formed a large, congested clump after several years, early spring is the time to lift and divide it. Dig up the entire clump, split it into smaller sections with a spade or knife—each with healthy roots and shoots—and replant the divisions at the same depth and spacing as the original plant. Throughout the growing season, deadhead spent flower spikes if you wish to keep the plant tidy, though this is optional and won't significantly affect performance.