Xylem and Phloem Garden Blog: Flower and Vegetable Gardening News, Tips, Ideas and Inspiration for the Texas Gardener

I'm fairly certain that I have gushed about the Leopard Plant (Farfugium japonicum 'Aureomaculatum') before, but its recent re-emergence in my garden warrants another outpouring of love and affection. Situated in one of my shade gardens where it is protected from the elements and stays relatively moist, my Leopard Plant never fails. Early spring through early winter, this plant performs like a rock star with glossy spotted leaves and a show of bright yellow flowers in the fall that create real architectural interest through the winter.

Its success in my garden proves its hardiness in our North Texas climate, but literature suggests that it is hardy in Zones 7-10. Originating in China and Japan, the Leopard plant was formerly classified in the genus Ligularia, and has been known under many names, including Ligularia tussilaginea, L. kaempferi, L. japonica, Senecio kaempferi, Tussilago japonicum, and Farfugium grande. There are just two species classified in the genus Farfugium*.

Let me reiterate that this plant has succeeded because of very good conditions: protected by larger plants on each side and located near a water spigot that gets a lot of use in the summer. It likes it shady and not too dry, though it will tolerate drier conditions once established.

Online sources for my favorite plant:

Plant Delights

*Source: Floridata