Bigleaf goldenray must have moist soil; otherwise it wilts dramatically and looks decidedly unhappy. If the location you have in mind is not naturally moist, add lots of organic matter such as leaf compost or peat moss to the soil before planting. Mulch with a thick layer of leaf compost, pine needles, or shredded pine bark, and water heavily during dry spells. Unfortunately, this plant loves the same moist, humus-rich conditions as slugs and snails, and these slimy pests can make inroads in the leaves. (To control slugs, see page 114.)
Bigleaf goldenray is a large, imposing plant with yellow to orange blossoms in flat-topped, well-branched clusters. It is grown partly for its huge, kidney-shaped leaves up to 20 inches wide; in some cultivars, the foliage is strikingly dark. (‘Othello’ is shown here.) The bright orange-yellow flower heads measure 2 to 5 inches across. It demands deep, moist soil that never dries out—conditions that can be difficult to find in parts of the Southeast and Southwest.
Place bigleaf goldenray to make a bold statement by a pond, alongside a stream, or at the edge of a swampy area. In constantly wet soil, this plant will grow in full sun; otherwise it must have part shade. Plant in combination with other vigorous foliage plants such as large-leafed hosta, umbrella plant, or giant butterbur. It is one of the few shade plants that offer yellow to orange flowers, so use it when you want to add this color to a planting scheme or to brighten an otherwise dark spot. Bigleaf goldenray is a bold plant in color and stature; it needs companion plants of similar size that are also vigorous growers so they won’t be overwhelmed and overrun.
ZONES: 4–8
BLOOM TIME: Summer
LIGHT: Part shade
HEIGHT: 36–48 inches
INTEREST: Showy orange-yellow flowers; bold ornamental foliage