In the new Sala Graupera catalog, which we presented to you in [this post](http://www.salagraupera.com/es/bloc/item/128-el-nuevo-catalogo-de-sala-graupera), another of the novelties we want to highlight is the presence of full shade plants, and following the criteria that characterize the nursery, they are low maintenance species for sustainable landscaping, although they tend to have somewhat higher water needs, they will help us solve the shadiest areas of the garden.
On this occasion we present one of these species, _Farfugium japonicum_, formerly called Ligularia tussilaginea, commonly known as "leopard plant" which refers to the typical rounded shape of its leaves. It is a plant from the Asteraceae family, native to the rocky cliffs of Japan, Korea and Taiwan.
It is a rhizomatous species with compact bearing. Its leaves, which are supported on a long petiole that emerges from the base, are perennial, simple and rounded. In full development it can reach about 50-60cm, both in height and width.
Flowering occurs between the months of June and July, with small compound flowers, bright yellow in color, similar to daisies, which grouped in clusters that rise strikingly on stems above the foliar mass.
It has moderate resistance to winter cold, tolerating temperatures down to -8ºC. In climates with more rigorous winters it can be grown, but it is advisable to add a layer of mulch during winter or plant it in places well sheltered from the cold winds typical of this season.
Regarding maintenance, it is a plant that does not need to be pruned regularly; it is simply necessary to remove leaves that may be withering, as well as remove the flower stalks once flowering is finished. It is advisable to water it occasionally and in hot climates do not forget to provide adequate moisture in the driest months to minimize leaf wilting.
It is a species that does not show a tendency to suffer from diseases although it can be attacked by slugs and snails. It grows well in all types of soils, although it grows better in fertile and fresh soils.
In the new catalog we can also find the cultivar Farfugium japonicum 'Aureomaculata' which is commonly called "leopard plant" and is characterized by having larger leaves, bright green mottled in yellow and slightly fleshy, as well as flowers that reach a greater height.
Both are plants that can be located in the shady areas of the garden, under wooded areas and in patios or small gardens, as they can also be grown in pots.
In the next post we will present another shade plant, also native to Japan, which also adapts very well for use in vertical gardening, Pachysandra terminalis.
Images: tokyosnapphoto.blogspot.com / commons.wikimedia.org / labolsagris.blogspot.com