Farfugium japonicum Crispata

The Farfugium japonicum 'Crispata' (syn.Crispatum) is a rare form, with intensely undulated foliage on the edges, of a beautiful Japanese perennial also known as Ligularia tussilagineum. Close relative of ligularias, it is a beautiful, rhizomatous and evergreen perennial plant, loving shady places and humid environments. It forms clumps of large heart-shaped leaves, shiny green-grey, bordered by undulations that play with the light admirably. In early autumn, it produces clusters of flowers similar to small yellow daisies proudly standing above its foliage. It is a somewhat tender plant, with an exotic and precious appearance, highly sought after by Japanese garden enthusiasts and collectors of unusual plants. It will thrive in wet areas of the garden, by a pond, or even in a large pot.

Farfugium japonicum, sometimes called leopard plant in its variegated forms, is native to Japan, coastal areas bordering watercourses. Its underground rhizome is not very invasive. 'Crispata' is a variety that is almost impossible to find in French horticultural trade. It is a very beautiful perennial in large slightly loose clumps, reaching a height of 50 cm (20in) and a width of 60 cm (24in) when fully grown, it spreads slowly but surely if the conditions suit it. It bears—on long sturdy petioles—large leaves, tomentose and light brown-grey during their growth, which become thick and shiny like leather at maturity, somewhat reminiscent of water lily leaves. Each leaf measures 10 to 30 cm (4 to 12in) in diameter, with very curly edges. They display a beautiful greenish-gray color, with deep darker veins. From October onwards, the floral stems rise above the foliage, adorned with a few yellow capitula, 2 to 3 cm (1in) wide, grouped in loose panicles.

The Farfugium japonicum Crispata, almost impossible to find in our region, is nevertheless a particularly ornamental plant for shaded areas, even late in the season. It is not invasive and dislikes temperatures below -10°C. As it loves humidity and dislikes the sun, it can be planted near a pond, in a damp understory. It can be associated with Snowdrops, Solomon's Seals, ligularias, but also with well-established peonies. In a Japanese garden, under trees, the luxuriance and the shimmering of the undulated leaves, the yellow brightness of the flowers and the matte grey of pebbles will form a very graphic ensemble. It also grows very well in pots to be overwintered in a cold greenhouse, while spending the warm season on a shaded terrace.

The Japanese consume the spring leaves as cooked vegetables, as well as the flower buds and flowers in tempura. They also make a liqueur with the flower buds and flowers.