Leopard plant - Farfugium japonicum (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Leopard plant

Also known as: Green leopard plant

Leopard plant boasts daisy-like yellow flowers and enormous long-stalked deep-green leaves with golden patches. Unlike many other plants with high ornamental value, this plant can easily prosper in shade, producing great foliage and blooms. Leopard plant is native to Eastern Asia's damp meadows and stream banks. It's vulnerable to snails and slugs.

Scientific classification

Species

Leopard plant (Farfugium japonicum)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Mid summer, Late summer, Fall, Early winter

Bloom Time

Early spring, Mid fall

Harvest Time

60 cm

Plant Height

60 cm

Spread

Green, Yellow

Leaf Color

2.5 cm to 5 cm

Flower Size

Green

Fruit Color

Yellow

Flower Color

Green, Yellow

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Leopard plant

Distribution of Leopard plant

Distribution Map

Leopard plant, native to East Asia, thrives in temperate regions across the continent. The species has been introduced to parts of South Asia and Southern Europe, where it has adapted to local climates. Additionally, leopard plant is cultivated in various regions, suggesting a broader, though managed, distribution beyond its native habitat.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Rocky cliffs near sea shores, streamside meadows, lower elevational forests, grassy slopes, valleys

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Gardeners value the leopard plant for its huge, glossy, green, kidney-shaped leaves and tall, daisy-like flowers. Best grown in groups or in mass, leopard plant is perfect along borders and wet margins of ponds and streams. It goes especially well in bog, woodland, and urban gardens.

Symbolism

Beyond difficulties

Interesting Facts

A very popular and garden-worthy cultivar of leopard plant is Giganteum, a giant leopard plant. This cultivar is prized for its extremely ornamental, very large, solid leaves (up to 13 to 46 cm wide) and charming daisy-like flowers.

Name Story

Green leopard plant||Leopard plant: Farfugium japonicum got its common English name leopard plant from its bright yellow spots that look like those in leopard fur. However, Farfugium japonicum has many selected cultivars, and they all have a different appearance and sometimes different variegation. For example, ‘Aureomaculatum’ has yellow markings on green leaves, while ‘Argenteum’ features white spots on green leaves. ‘Crispatum’ cultivar has lettuce-like curled leaves in various shades of green. Some of them don't have spots at all.

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Quickly Identify Leopard plant

Large kidney-shaped leaves with glossy green surface and golden speckles, up to 12 inches (30 cm) wide.

Erect, fleshy stems reaching about 24 inches (60 cm) in height.

Eye-catching, daisy-like yellow flowers measuring 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter.

Flowers cluster on long, slender stalks above the bold foliage in late fall to mid-winter.

Leaves form dense, rounded mounds in a basal arrangement with distinct veining pattern.

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Care Guide for Leopard plant

Every week

Water

Full shade

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Leopard plant originates from East Asian woodlands, thriving in humid conditions. It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soil, requiring weekly watering. As an evergreen perennial, leopard plant benefits from higher indoor humidity to counteract dry air, supporting its lush foliage.

Fertilize: For healthy growth, leopard plant requires bi-monthly balanced fertilizers, increased to monthly during growth season at quarter-strength. Fertilize near the base and water afterward to prevent buildup. Adjust amounts based on leopard plant's size and watch for over-fertilization signs. Always wear gloves and wash hands post-application.

Pruning: Leopard plant features large, glossy leaves and yellow flowers. For optimal growth, prune in early to late spring, removing dead foliage and spent flower stalks. Use clean, sharp tools to prevent disease, enhancing the plant's appearance and encouraging robust growth and flowering.

Propagation: Leopard plant propagates easily through division in spring or autumn. Success is indicated by new growth, requiring moist soil and a division with multiple growth points.

Repotting: Repot leopard plant every 2-3 years in spring to support its clumping habit. Use a slightly larger container and provide consistent moisture and indirect light post-repotting. A well-draining pot promotes healthy roots for this non-climbing, bushy perennial.

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Images of Leopard plant

Distribution of Leopard plant

Culture

Quickly Identify Leopard plant

Care Guide for Leopard plant

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