Hi there ligularia go winter dormant and sometimes die back quite quickly in autumn too.... The main thing to check is that is hasn't rotted in the crown.... Have a feel around with your fingers and if it feels mushy, things may not look good! it is quite safe to cut off the dead flower stems to the ground....

Hope this helps... Aren't they great plants??!!

Thanks for you feedback phlip. I have three types of ligularia and they are WONDERFUL in the shade and in containers. I'm hoping that being is so. calif. I can enjoy them year round.

As my user name implies, I am a big fan of lig's. It is very normal even under perfect conditions for the leaves to wilt 'somewhat' Some gardeners place a plastic bags with holes punched in right into the planting hole. The plant needs constant moisture to perform well, but the soil does need to be well drained. I have never heard of crown rot with these awesome plants. In most cases people let them get too dry. The flower stem should be cut down to ground level. If you ever try big leaf ligularia protect from slugs AS SOON AS you see shoots in the spring.

I love my ligularia too! I bought a new one this year called Britt Marie Anderson that has purple leaves. It's awesome. I have another kind I haven't ID'd that is probably 7 years old...pouting just a bit because I moved it this year, but still gorgeous.

I cut the bloom off quite close to the ground (on my "Rocket"). I have much better luck with the flowers if the plant stays wet throughout the bloom season. If too dry, not too many leaves left after dead-heading - not a pretty scene - but you should get another chance next year.

I leave a few flower stems on my Rocket...they are not especially attractive, but it does self seed lightly if allowed....seedlings can be moved around, or shared in other gardens.

What do the seeds look like? I want to gather seeds. Is it the black stem in the dandelion left after it blooms?