“Tractor Seat Plant” is the descriptive common name of Farfugium japonicum. The variegated (yellow spots) form has the common name “Giant Leopard Plant.”
Farfugium (pronounced far-FEW-gee-um) is hardy in zones 7-9. The yellow flowers are incidental to the foliage, exotic-looking leaves so shiny that they appear polished. Plants are not picky as to soil acidity. They want partial shade and moist soil, and are ideally sited along streams or near water features. They also make impressive container plants if the gardener provides plentiful irrigation. The large rounded to kidney-shaped leaves wilt pitifully when they need water. Plants die to the ground in winter, then pop up in spring and bloom in late summer to fall before they go dormant again.
Opinions vary as to whether solid or variegated leaves are the prettiest. (I favor the solid green.) The clumps of foliage look especially good against a solid brick or rock wall. Give plants plenty of space. Mature plants may reach four feet tall, three feet across. Individual leaves may reach impressive widths of 18 inches, held aloft on 3–4-foot stalks that rise directly from the ground. Plants are propagated by division. ‘Bad Hair Day’ and ‘Crispatum’ cultivars have a ruffled edge to the leaves.
Farfugium is rarely troubled by disease or insects, although slugs sometimes attack. They are moderately deer resistant.
A young Farfugium,. When mature, it will shade the fairy statue like a large umbrella.
Photo by Suzanne Leone. Used with permission.
