Species

Farfugium japonicumJapanese Leopard Plant

13 other cultivars

perennial

Crested Leopard Plant

Farfugium japonicum 'Ryuto'

The Story

Plant Bio

Farfugium japonicum 'Ryuto' is a perennial evergreen groundcover featuring large, glossy, dark green leaves with a rosette form and clusters of small, yellow flowers that bloom in autumn.

This cultivar is distinguished by its unique, heavily ruffled and crested leaf margins, giving the foliage a parsley-like or 'bad hair day' appearance.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, evergreen foliage with striking yellow flowers, brightening shady areas.

Thrives in moist, poorly drained soils, reducing garden maintenance.

Supports local insect populations and maintains soil moisture levels.

SpeciesFarfugium japonicumJapanese Leopard Plant

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Consistently moist

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Contains toxic alkaloids; toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Fall – Late spring

In flower about 8 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a shaded spot with moist, well-drained soil.
Tuck seeds or divisions into soil, keeping roots moist.
Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture.
Water consistently during dry spells, especially in summer.
Divide every 2-3 years to maintain vigor.

Pro Tip

Ensure consistent moisture for healthy growth and vibrant foliage.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Divide in early spring for best results

Don't

Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
Don’t expose to direct, harsh sunlight
Refrain from over-fertilizing

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade garden borderWoodland groundcoverDamp shady corner

Companion Plants

HostaFerns AstilbeJapanese painted fern Ligularia

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Crested Leopard Plant questions

What zones can Crested Leopard Plant grow in?

Crested Leopard Plant is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Crested Leopard Plant deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Crested Leopard Plant, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Crested Leopard Plant bloom?

Crested Leopard Plant typically blooms in fall through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Crested Leopard Plant need full sun?

Crested Leopard Plant does best in part shade.