What’s in a name?
I had always heard it called Ligularia, then for some reason (only known to a select group of plant nerds…no offense intended, nerds are an important part of society…we would still be in the stone age without them) it was changed to Farfugium. You can read more about how plants get their names at https://www.mortonarb.org/tree-collections/735-how-plants-are-named.html . These very cool plants love the shade in Houston. Yes, they grow in the full sun in Massachusetts and Minnesota…let that idea go and trust the RCW staff…not the tags, not your cousin’s uncle or that wacky neighbor down the street. They have the most interesting leaves, They add amazing textures to our shady yards and have yellow flowers, which are hard to find for shady places. Here they are!
Farfugium japonicum ‘Gigantea’
Giant Ligularia
https://yourplantinfo.com/gallery/perennial/giant-leopard-plant
Farfugium japonicum ‘Cristata’
Crested Farfugium
https://yourplantinfo.com/gallery/perennial/leopard-plant
Farfugium japonicum ‘Aureo-maculata’
Leopard Plant
https://www.horticopia.com/hortpix/html/farjap001.htm (this is a very good website)
There are a few other Farfugium varieties, available from time to time, but these 3 are the most common and probably the showiest. They can be used as a specimen or in groups. With ample water, they can be grown in a large pot. Poor drainage makes these beauties have problems, so plant them high in a well-drained bed amended with compost or Rose Soil. As always, don’t let mulch touch your plants. For more info on “Death by Mulch” read this: https://rcwnurseries.com/?p=555