Reiman’s Pick
For the Week of August 4, 2008
Do you see Spots? The Leopard Plant
Maria Olson, Reiman Gardens, Iowa State University
A plant where the foliage is covered with yellow spots may give one the impression that it has been infected by a disease or pest. Yet, there is a particular plant that displays this unusual characteristic; Farfugium joponicum ‘Aureomaculata’, more commonly known as the leopard plant.
The leopard plant is considered a warm climate herbaceous perennial and when full grown can reach a height of two feet. The foliage is what makes this leopard plant so distinctive. It displays large, thick green leaves that have a glossy, leathery texture, while covered with random yellow spots. As a contrast, the other leopard plant varieties have white variegation with fun ruffled leaf edges. The leopard plant also produces bright yellow daisy-like flowers that bloom in the fall. These flowers are present for a relatively long period. Although the flowers are quite lovely, the leopard plant is mainly grown for its attractive foliage.
This particular plant is one that is not common in the Midwest. Rather, the leopard plant is typically hardy in USDA zones 7-10. It performs best when planted in fertile, moist and well-drained soil and enjoys partial shade. When in nature, you will most likely find this plant in warmer climates inhabiting stream sides and wet meadows. In the Midwest it can be treated as an annual in moist planting beds or be grown in containers to add some tropical excitement to a northern garden.
When visiting Reiman Gardens this summer, make sure to stop by the Conservatory to view this one-of-a-kind plant. The leopard plant can be found on the south end near the large Bismark Palm. With its outstanding lush foliage covered with yellow spots, this plant is a hard one to miss.
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