Farfugium japonicum Wavy Gravy

The Farfugium japonicum 'Wavy Gravy' is a brand new form of a beautiful Japanese perennial also known as Ligularia tussilagineum with intensely curly foliage. A close relative of ligularias, it is a rhizomatous and evergreen perennial, loving shady places and humid environments. This variety has a curly cabbage-like appearance: it forms compact clumps of large round and frilly leaves, with a shiny grey-blue-green colour, bordered by intense undulations that play with the light in an admirable way. It produces clusters of flowers in early autumn, resembling small yellow daisies that last a long time in a vase. It is a slightly frost-sensitive, whimsical and fantastic plant, highly sought after by enthusiasts of Japanese gardens and collectors of unusual plants. Amazing in wet areas of the garden, it will create a sensation in a large pot.

The Farfugium japonicum, sometimes called leopard plant in its variegated forms, is native to Japan, specifically coastal areas, along riversides. Its underground rhizome is not very invasive. 'Wavy Gravy' is a brand new variety that was highly noted at the 2018 Salon du Végétal. It is a densely clumping perennial, reaching a height of 55 cm (22in) and a width of 60 cm (24in) at maturity, slowly but steadily spreading if the conditions suit it. It bears large leaves on long sturdy petioles, tomentose and light brownish-grey during their growth, which become thick and glossy like leather at maturity, somewhat reminiscent of water lily leaves. Each leaf measures 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8in) in diameter and has extremely frilly edges. They display a beautiful green-blue-grey color, with deep darker veins. From October onwards, the flowering stems rise above the foliage, adorned with a few yellow heads, 2 to 3 cm (1in) wide, grouped in loose panicles.

The Farfugium japonicum 'Wavy Gravy' is particularly ornamental in shaded areas, on the terrace or in the garden, lasting late into the season. It is not invasive and is sensitive to temperatures below -12°C (10.4°F). As this Farfugium loves humidity and dislikes the sun, it can be planted near a pond or in a damp woodland. It can be combined with snowdrops, Solomon's seals, ligularias, and well-established peonies. In a Japanese garden, under trees, the luxuriance and the shiny undulating leaves, the yellow brilliance of the flowers, and matte grey pebbles will create a very graphic composition. It also grows very well in pots to overwinter in a cold greenhouse, while spending the summer on a shady 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.