Varieties We Bring In
Standard
Leopard Firefly · Standard · Gigantea
We received some Leopard Plant on Jul 19, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
Last received Jul 19, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
Pet toxicity: Toxic to dogs and cats
Pet safety guideAbout Leopard Plant
Farfugium (Farfugium japonicum) is a bold-textured Asian perennial from Japan and China, grown primarily for its large, round to kidney-shaped, glossy leaves that can be solid green, spotted ('Leopard Plant'), or wavy-edged. Bright yellow daisy-like flowers appear in fall and winter. An outstanding shade-tolerant foliage plant for tropical and subtropical gardens.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Fall, Winter
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Growth Rate
- Slow
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Loam, Acidic, Moist, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended months: March, April, May, September, October, November.
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Leopard Plant is an outstanding shade perennial for NE Florida; plant in partial to full shade — avoid direct afternoon sun, which scorches the large glossy leaves. It is perfectly suited to the shaded understory beneath live oaks and in north-facing beds throughout zone 9b.
Keep the soil consistently moist; Leopard Plant does not tolerate drought or dry conditions. Water deeply and regularly, especially during Florida's dry season (November–May). Mulch heavily to retain soil moisture and moderate root temperature.
Plant in rich, moist, well-drained loamy soil amended generously with compost or aged organic matter. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring and mid-summer to support vigorous foliage growth. Avoid compacted or consistently waterlogged soils.
Similar needs
Lobster Claw
Shares 5 of the same needs: high water, loam, salt tolerance, deer resistance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Ligularia
Shares 3 of the same needs: similar light, high water, and loam.
Partridge Berry
Shares 3 of the same needs: similar light, high water, and loam.
Spikemoss
Shares 3 of the same needs: similar light, high water, and loam.
Banana
Shares 4 of the same needs: high water, loam, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Garden Phlox
Shares 4 of the same needs: high water, loam, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
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Common questions
Is Leopard Plant a good plant for St. Augustine?
Leopard Plant is a perennial. Mature size: 1-2 feet × 2-3 feet. Light: Part Shade, Full Shade. Water needs: Moderate to High. Recorded hardiness zone: 9a. Recorded salt tolerance: low.
What is the recorded pet toxicity for Leopard Plant?
Toxic to dogs and cats
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.