PlantFiles: Giant Leopard Plant
Farfugium japonicum 'Gigantea'

This is a very beautiful foliage plant. It gets wilty in the hot dry summers here but perks right up in the evening. A shade lover in my climate but will tolerate the sun if watered frequently.

This plant did very well in our heat (SC). It got early morning sun and an hour 1/2 of afternoon sun and would wilt a little, but kept watered it has done very well. I submited a pic of the flowers which are coming out now. They are not much compared to the leaves which added nice color to the shade garden.

I live in Australia and have been searching for the specific plant I have in the backyard. It's a Farfugium Giganteum but not the one in the picture. It has big green glossy leaves with no spots or ruffles. It looks like the old style tractor seat, and that's actually what we bought it named as. A Tractor Seat Plant. Anyway it's growing beautifully and has flowered once. Fully recommend this plant.

I certainly agree with DLSlandscape - the variegated Leopard plant is one of my favorites for shade. The thick green leaves are about a hands width across and slightly cupped. Mine has never frozen down in Baton Rouge. The only trouble I have ever experienced is when we had 27 inches of rain in three days and the poor thing almost drowned. I had to dig it out to let it drain and dry out. The yellow flowers are, in my opinion, inconsequential. My plant is 24 inches tall and 30 inches wide. This plant also comes with solid green leaves. We know it by the synonym Ligularia tussilaginea in my area.

Why this plant is not more popular in North Texas - or other areas with similar climates - is a mystery. This is a beautiful plant that could easily be used in place of Hosta (but without the slug problems) or Fern. Best of all, I've found it to be ever-green to about 15 degrees F. The only damage I've seen it sustain in a winter was from an ice storm. You can just trim out the damaged leaves in March, and the plant fills back in within days.
Leopard Plant can be hard to find, but well worth the effort. It prefers morning sun or full shade. Direct sunlight causes the plant to take on a wilting look. Regular watering, fertile soil, and occasional flower fertilizer are also required. Despite its description, I have never seen this plant get taller than 18-24 inches. Combine this plant with a backdrop of Persian Shield for a look that will make people's jaws drop.