Overview
Farfugium japonicum is a clump forming herbaceous perennial in the genus Farfugium, part of the Asteraceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 0.5-1 metres tall and 0.5-1 metres wide, reaching full size in around 2-5 years. Farfugium japonicum grows best in partial shade, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. It is low maintenance. Suggested uses include architectural, city and courtyard gardens, sub-tropical, patio and container plants, low maintenance, ground cover, flower borders and beds and conservatory and greenhouse. It is native to China Southeast, Honshu, Hunan, Nansei-shoto, Hainan, Fujian, Hubei and Korea.
About
Farfugium japonicum is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, also known as leopard plant, green leopard plant or tractor seat plant. It is native to streams and seashores of Japan, where it is called tsuwabuki (石蕗).
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Farfugium japonicum
About the genus
Farfugium is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae, native to streams and seashores in east Asia. They are rhizomatous evergreen perennials with rounded leathery leaves and bright yellow flowers in autumn and winter. Species include Farfugium japonicum, with variegated cultivars for use in horticulture.SpeciesFarfugium hiberniflorum (Makino) Kitam.
Wikipedia contributors, "Farfugium", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Farfugium
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Farfugium
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Exposed, Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Farfugium japonicum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.5-1 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Sub-tropical, Patio and container plants, Low Maintenance, Ground cover, Flower borders and beds, Conservatory and greenhouse
- Native to
- China Southeast, Honshu, Hunan, Nansei-shoto, Hainan, Fujian, Hubei, Korea
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Farfugium japonicum
- Propagation
- Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in winter or spring, Division in spring
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Snails
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Farfugium japonicum?
Farfugium japonicum prefers partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.
What soil does Farfugium japonicum need?
Farfugium japonicum is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Farfugium japonicum grow?
Farfugium japonicum reaches a height of 0.5-1 metres and a spread of 0.5-1 metres. It takes around 2-5 years to reach full size.
Is Farfugium japonicum hardy in the UK?
Farfugium japonicum has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Farfugium japonicum?
Seed sown in containers in a cold frame in winter or spring, Division in spring.
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