‘Argentea’ Variegated Leopard Plant
A great plant for brightening up a shady spot and adding some big-leafed, quasi-tropical texture to a shade garden. Our good man Garth Gruttman got us excited about this plant as a bold texture for the shade garden and it’s edible too! The leaf stalk can be eaten much like fuki. Harvest them throughout the summer once the clump gets large enough, boil them, then peel the outer layer off and they can be added to stir fries or salads.
Evergreen in zone 8 and easily hardy in zone 7 if provided good mulch around the roots, though they will die back in very cold winters, but come back happily the following spring.
Latin Name: Farfugium japonicum ‘Argentea’
Site and Soil: Leopard plants likes morning sun or dappled shade and moist soil.
Hardiness: 0º F.
Bearing Age: As soon as there are enough leaf stalks to harvest without stressing the plant.
Size at Maturity: 1-2 ft. in height by 2-3 ft. wide
Bloom Time: Fall
Pests & Diseases: Variegated Leopard Plant is not bothered by significant pest or disease problems.
USDA Zone: 7
Sunset Western Zone: 2B-9, 14-17
Sunset Northeast Zone: 31, 32, 34-41