Tractor Seat Plant

Tractor Seat Plant (Farfugium japonicum var. giganteum) is a bold foliage perennial that forms a fountain of glossy, deep green, kidney-shaped leaves, 1m to 1.5m tall and wide. In summer it sends up bright golden daisy flowers above the leaves. It is the plant for a shaded subtropical garden, a pond edge or a well lit patio that wants big, lush foliage.

Why you'll love it

• Huge, glossy leaves. Each deep green, kidney-shaped leaf is far bigger than on the classic tractor seat plant, which gives shady corners real presence.
• Golden flowers in summer. Bright yellow daisies rise above the foliage through the summer months, and bees and butterflies visit them.
• Evergreen in the warm, tidy in the cold. It keeps its leaves in tropical and subtropical gardens and dies back in cooler regions, returning in spring.
• Loves damp ground. It is happy in seasonally wet or moist soil, so pond edges and damp spots suit it.
• Good in pots. A large container on a well lit, protected patio shows off the leaves at eye level.

Where it works best

Shaded borders and undergrowth. Plant under trees or along a shaded wall, about 1m apart, so the big leaves overlap into a lush layer.

Damp spots and pond edges. Rich, moist ground beside water, or a low area where rain collects, suits it well.

Patios and containers. Use a large pot of moisture-holding mix in a bright, protected position. A potting mix rich in peat moss or humus is ideal.

Growing Tractor Seat Plant in Australia

Position and climate. Part shade is the sweet spot, bright but out of hot afternoon sun, which scorches the big leaves. It also grows in shade where the light is good, and in full sun in milder gardens if the soil never dries out. It is suited to warm climates, so it does best in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. Protect it from frost.

Soil. Free-draining soil rich in organic matter, kept moist. It copes with seasonally wet ground, so add compost at planting and mulch well.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly for the first 12 weeks until it is established, and keep it moist through summer. Fertilise once a year with a slow release fertiliser to encourage lush growth.

Pruning. No pruning is needed beyond removing tired leaves and spent flower stems. In cooler gardens, add extra mulch over the roots in winter to protect them, and expect the leaves to die back.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Tractor Seat Plant as tube stock only: a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. Tube plants are small, so allow a season or two for the leaves to reach their full size. Plant out soon after arrival in a sheltered, bright spot, water well and keep the soil moist while the roots settle.

Tube stock comes from our grower and is not always available. When the grower has none, the tube shows as sold out on the page, and the notify button emails you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Plants for partial shade
• Tropical plants for warm gardens
• Plants for pots and containers
• Shade gardening in Australia: what to plant where

Common questions

How much sun can it take?

Bright part shade suits it best. It tolerates full sun in milder gardens when the soil stays moist, but hot afternoon sun scorches the leaves, so give it shelter in warm regions.

Will it survive winter in a cool climate?

It dies back in cooler regions and shoots again in spring, but it needs protection from frost. Mulch the roots deeply and grow it in a sheltered, well lit spot. In frosty areas a pot that can move under cover is the safer choice.

Is it safe for pets?

We do not list it as pet safe. It is best kept away from animals and children that chew plants.