 Farfugium japonica 'Argentea' a.k.a. 'Albovariegatum' $9.95
- flowering season: late summer to early fall
- height: 2 feet
- Light requirements: morning light, partial shade
- Soil requirements: average, well drained
- Water requirments: average
- Growth habit: slowly widening; to keep it withing bounds it may need to be replanted every few years
- How to propagate: dividing in early summer
- Leaf type: large, round glossy leaves irregularly splashed and edged in creamy white
This grows one or two feet tall, and even to three feet with ideal conditions in shade. The round leaves are ten inches across, green with white creamy margins,and sometimes with a touch of pink.The leaves and stems can be lightly covered with downy fuzz, that rubs off when touched. Yellow daisy-like flowers show at the end of summer often no taller than the leaves. Cold hardy to USDA Zones 7 - 11. A plant will often wilt on hot sunny days if it is planted in full sun. This is not always a sign of dryness of the roots, so don't water a wilted Farfugium if it is only just flagging due to the heat. Some plants to grow with it are primroses, irises that like shade such as Iris foetidissima and I. japonica (listed on this website), and astilbes and hostas. Thinning out its large leaves on occasion is a good idea, especially so it doesn't crowd its neighbors. Farfugium resembles a different large-leafed plant, Ligularia, and can be mistaken for it. Although their appearances are similar, they like different growing conditions, Ligularia needing lots more moisture and Farfugium liking ground that is well drained. |
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