In shady locations, this spring bloomer produces yellow daisy-like flowers.
Leopards bane is an exceptional perennial in two respects.
In the late spring, the plant produces cheerful yellow daisy-like flowers for several weeks.
Some return in the fall and bloom again when grown in ideal conditions.
Leopards bane also does well in containers.
How and When to Plant Leopards Bane
Transplant nursery-grown plants in the spring.
Dig a hole about twice the diameter of the pot and about the same depth.
Place the plant in the hole and fill in original soil to the top of the root ball.
Gently tamp down the soil and water it well.
Water it regularly during the first growing season to encourage young plants to develop a strong root system.
Leopards bane grows in full shade but limited sun exposure will decrease the flowering.
Regular moisture is a must; this plant does not tolerate drought.
Spread a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch around plants to prevent soil-moisture loss and to keep their shallow roots cool.
The plant does not tolerate heat and humidity well.
Above Zone 7, it is usually grown as an annual as it wont survive hot humid summers.
Fertilizer
Dont fertilize the plant in the first year after planting.
Potting and Repotting Leopard’s Bane
The plant makes a good container plant.
Select a pot with large drainage holes and use well-draining potting soil.
Keep in mind that potted plants need more frequent watering and fertilizing than plants in the landscape.
Pests and Problems
Leopards bane is not affected by serious plant diseases.
The most common pests include aphids andsawflies.
Deer and rabbits usually leave the plant alone.
How to Propagate Leopard’s Bane
Leopards bane is bestpropagated by division.
After the bloom, the plant withers and goes dormant in early summer.
This is a good time to divide the clump.
Dig it up with a shovel and divide it into several large sections.
see to it each section has ample roots and foliage.
Replant divisions at the same depth as the original plant and water them well.
The plant reaches 2 feet in height and spreads 18 inches.
Because of the long stems, it is a favorite cultivar for cut flowers.
Companion Plants
Astilbe
Astilbehas fern-like bronze-and-green foliage and feathery plumed blossoms.
In the spring, new foliage often emerges bright green with blushes of bronze.
It grows best in partial shade, although it tolerates sun as long as it is kept moist.
Zone 4-8
Lady’s Mantle
Lady’s mantlelooks great in the garden and in a vase.
Its scalloped leaves catch rain or drewdrops, making them look dusted with jewels.
The chartreuse flowers appear in playful, frothy clusters above the foliage.
In spring, the stems are lined with small, bell-shaped, white blooms.
These plants make great backdrops for other shade-loving perennials in the garden.
It’s perfect for a sunny border along a lawn or walkway.
It is not considered invasive.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
Aconitum.
North Carolina State University Extension.
