Posted 12:33 am Thursday, February 02, 2012
Big Leaves Distinguish Farfugium Japonicum
By DEE BISHOP
Master Gardner
Farfugium japonicum ‘Gigantea’ makes an awesome statement in the shade garden. An exciting evergreen which is new to many, looks like a hosta on steroids. A member of the aster family, this magnificent plant comes from Asia.
The giant farfugium has the most beautifully glossy round leaves that stand up on long stems. Ours is 5-6 years old and has developed into a knockout clump of greenery, that stays beautiful all year long.
When you go to see this awesome plant, look around in that garden and you will also see other varieties. There are many different sizes and leaf colors . Gigantea is the absolute most beautiful of all, in my not too humble opinion.
Farfugiums need good rich moist soil to do well. Even though they love lots of moisture, they need good drainage; so don’t plant them in a clay mud hole. They need shade and will grow in fairly deep shade if it has good light.
Master Gardner
Farfugium japonicum ‘Gigantea’ makes an awesome statement in the shade garden. An exciting evergreen which is new to many, looks like a hosta on steroids. A member of the aster family, this magnificent plant comes from Asia.
The giant farfugium has the most beautifully glossy round leaves that stand up on long stems. Ours is 5-6 years old and has developed into a knockout clump of greenery, that stays beautiful all year long.
When you go to see this awesome plant, look around in that garden and you will also see other varieties. There are many different sizes and leaf colors . Gigantea is the absolute most beautiful of all, in my not too humble opinion.
Farfugiums need good rich moist soil to do well. Even though they love lots of moisture, they need good drainage; so don’t plant them in a clay mud hole. They need shade and will grow in fairly deep shade if it has good light.
They cook in our hot sun in summer, but held up fairly well even last summer with plenty of water and shade. I have read that these guys will do well in containers if you never let them dry out. I may try that next. I have grown several species and all have been easy.
They did not like last summer one bit, but then neither did I. They came through with smaller leaves and not as many as usual but are really reveling in the mild winter we’re having.
They did not like last summer one bit, but then neither did I. They came through with smaller leaves and not as many as usual but are really reveling in the mild winter we’re having.
Gigantea needs a large spot because it will get 3 feet tall or taller and make a huge clump several feet across in 3-5 years. Talk about a focal point in your shade garden!
You can always find farfugiums in the SFA Plant sale in April. Maybe some of our nurseries will start carrying them too. They are easy and look great among azaleas and hostas adding a totally different texture in the garden.
I didn’t mention the tall spike of yellow or orange flowers they have in fall. To me the flowers do not compare with the leaves, but many people love them. Go take a look and you be the judge.
Dee Bishop writes about things growing in Tyler Rose Garden.
You can always find farfugiums in the SFA Plant sale in April. Maybe some of our nurseries will start carrying them too. They are easy and look great among azaleas and hostas adding a totally different texture in the garden.
I didn’t mention the tall spike of yellow or orange flowers they have in fall. To me the flowers do not compare with the leaves, but many people love them. Go take a look and you be the judge.
Dee Bishop writes about things growing in Tyler Rose Garden.
