Farfugium japonicum 'Aureomaculatum' (Leopard Plant) – Plug Plant

Farfugium japonicum 'Aureomaculatum' (formerly Ligularia tussilaginea 'Aureomaculatum') is an absolute classic for exotic foliage plantings. Renowned for its leathery, rounded, kidney-shaped leaves of rich olive-green, each leaf comes generously splashed with irregular bright yellow and creamy polka dots—giving rise to its beloved common name, the Leopard Plant. In late autumn to early winter, mature plants send up cheerful, daisy-like yellow flowers on upright stems above the foliage.

Starting with an autumn plug lets you secure this highly sought-after collector's perennial at entry-level pricing. Pot it straight up into a starter pot, enjoy it as a striking, low-maintenance evergreen houseplant on a bright windowsill over the colder months, and hit spring with an active root system ready to power away outdoors.

Why Start with a Winter Plug?

• Spring Head Start: Farfugium grows steadily through cool conditions. Overwintering a plug indoors or under unheated glass gives you an established crown primed for explosive growth in early spring.

• Winter Windowsill Drama: Evergreen, glossy, and boldly variegated foliage looks fantastic indoors through the darkest winter months.

• Exceptional Value: Established 1.5L–2L potted specimens of 'Aureomaculatum' command premium nursery prices. Growing your own from a plug delivers high-end exotic character at a fraction of the cost.

Plant Details & Sizing

• Format: Well-rooted young plug plant

• Type: Hardy evergreen architectural perennial

• Eventual Garden Height: 50cm – 60cm (taller in flower)

• Eventual Spread: 50cm – 60cm

• Foliage: Glossy, leathery, rounded dark green leaves covered in vivid yellow spots and blotches

• Flowers: Bright yellow daisy-like flower heads on sturdy stems in late autumn/early winter

• Hardiness: Hardy down to around -8°C to -10°C (RHS H4/H5) once established in the ground; young plugs benefit from sheltered conditions during their first winter.

Winter Care & Growing-On Guide

• Potting Up: On arrival, pot your plug into a 9cm or 1-litre pot using a fertile, moisture-retentive but free-draining compost (quality peat-free multi-purpose blended with coarse perlite or grit).

• Light & Position: Place in a bright spot indoors (out of intense, baking direct sun) or in a cold frame/frost-free greenhouse. Good ambient light maintains intense, high-contrast yellow spotting.

• Watering: Keep the compost lightly, evenly moist. Avoid letting it dry out completely to the point of wilting, but ensure pots never sit waterlogged in cold drip trays.

• Spring Planting: In late April or May, step it up into a decorative patio container or plant directly into a sheltered border. Prefers cool, humus-rich soil in partial shade to dappled shade, protected from drying midday sun and harsh winds.