Big Green Tractor Ligularia

Overview

• Botanical name: Ligularia ‘Big Green Tractor’ (PP35810) (syn: L. japonica ‘Big Green Tractor’) 

• Habit & size: Grows about 3.5 ft (≈1.0 m) tall and spreads to ~4.5 ft (≈1.4 m) wide at maturity. 

• Foliage: Deep green, massive leaves (up to ~16″ across) with serrated/dissected margins for strong architectural texture. 

• Flowers: In midsummer it sends up tall stems of golden‑yellow daisy‑like flowers above the foliage. 

• Hardiness & zones: Rated to USDA Zones 4‑9. 

Light & Site Requirements

• Sunlight: Best in part shade—morning sun + afternoon shade, or filtered light. Avoid hot afternoon sun, which can cause wilting. 

• Soil & moisture: Prefers rich, humus‑rich, moist but well‑drained soil. It tolerates high moisture and even boggy spots, but will struggle if the soil dries out. 

• Placement: Because of its size and bold foliage, it works well as a focal or background plant in a shady bed, woodland garden, or near a water feature/rain garden.

Planting & Maintenance

• Planting time: Early spring or early fall works well. Ensure good root contact and water thoroughly at planting.

• Spacing: Allow ~4–4.5 ft between plants so their large leaves have room to fill out. 

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist—do not let it dry out. In hot weather or more sun, extra watering may be needed. 

• Fertilizer: Top‑dress with compost in spring or apply a light balanced fertilizer if soil is poor. Avoid heavy feeding that might lead to floppy growth.

• Pruning / Deadheading: After flowering, you can cut back the flower stalks to tidy the plant. In late fall clean up dead foliage to reduce overwintering pests and disease. 

• Winter care: In colder zones, a light mulch over the root zone can help protect crown from freeze‑thaw heave but ensure soil remains well‑drained.

Cold‑Climate & Zone 3 Considerations

• Though this cultivar is rated to Zone 4, with proper site selection (moist, shaded, well‑drained) it can perform in cold climates if you pick a sheltered spot.

• Choose a location away from full afternoon sun, in soil that doesn’t dry out or get waterlogged from snowmelt standing on it.

• Avoid exposed high wind sites, and ensure snow melt drains away rather than pooling at the crown.

• Because of the large leaf size, protect against slug/snail damage early in the season.

Photos from Walters Gardens