Shishi Botan Leopard Plant
Farfugium japonicum 'Shishi Botan'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Moist
Humidity
Average to high
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Eastern Asia
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Farfugium japonicum 'Shishi Botan' is a perennial evergreen with large, leathery, kidney-shaped leaves marked with variegated green and silver patterns, producing clusters of yellow flowers in late summer and autumn. This cultivar is distinguished by its striking variegated foliage and compact growth habit, making it an attractive ground cover or container plant for shaded areas.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck mature rhizomes into well-drained, moist soil.
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist, especially in dry periods.
- Mist cuttings or divide in spring for propagation.
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Prune dead or damaged leaves in late winter or early spring.
- Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Pro Tip
Ensure soil remains moist but well-drained for best growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly, especially during dry spells 🌱
- Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature
- Prune dead leaves to maintain appearance
Don't
- Avoid waterlogging soil ❌
- Don't allow plants to dry out completely
- Refrain from heavy fertilization in late fall
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
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Shishi Botan Leopard Plant questions
What zones can Shishi Botan Leopard Plant grow in?
Shishi Botan 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 Shishi Botan Leopard Plant deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Shishi Botan Leopard Plant, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Shishi Botan Leopard Plant bloom?
Shishi Botan 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 Shishi Botan Leopard Plant need full sun?
Shishi Botan Leopard Plant does best in part shade.
More Farfugium to compare
Leopard Plant
Farfugium japonicum 'Marco'
Japanese Leopard Plant
Farfugium japonicum 'Lunar Landing'
Japanese Leopard Plant
Farfugium japonicum 'Basho Ogi'
Japanese Leopard Plant
Farfugium japonicum
Japanese Leopard Plant
Farfugium japonicum 'Kaimon Dake'
Silver Leaf Fogplant
Farfugium japonicum 'Argentum'
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