Many of us who grew up in the rural South know the plant pictured here as a “tractor seat” plant. A closer look shows how this nickname was earned, as the leaves of this perennial look like nothing so much as the seats of common farm machinery.

For Stuart Perry, having tractor seat plants in the inventory at Rudy’s Happy Patch Market is a delight. The founder and CEO of Perry Wellness Center is always happy to find unusual plants for his market’s inventory.

“I search for different and unique plants for our market,” Stuart explains. “I think this tractor seat plant might be my best discovery to date. All of our customers are aware of the look of a tractor seat. This plant offers good memories of growing up in the South.”

For those unfamiliar with this plant, it is officially known as a “farfugium” or “leopard” plant. (We don’t know about you, but we don’t see any resemblance to exotic big cats.)

The perennial plant comes in both green and variegated varieties and produces small blooms in the fall that resemble hosta flowers.

“We have the evergreen plant, and it is space-filling throughout the year,” Stuart notes. “It grows to a height of about 30-36 inches. It can tolerate colder climates but is happiest in the South.” 

Well, bless its heart! Stop by the campus of Perry Wellness Center, and check out our selection of new plants at Rudy’s Happy Patch Market.