Variegation can come about naturally as mutant shoots on an all-green plant or as variegated seedlings. Some variegated plants get their markings, however, from a harmless virus. Leopard plant, which has bold, round and spotted foliage, was a favorite among Victorian gardeners and is a great rhizomatous perennial for our gardening area. The spots on Ligularia tussilaginea , or leopard plant, are induced by such a virus. However, as with many variegated plants, leopard plant may produce all-green foliage, and some may eventually revert to completely green.
Leopard plant likes fertile, moist soil and bright shade.
I have one that gets morning sun, and it is perfectly happy. Water during the dry stretches in summer. For additional variegated interested in your garden try Acorus gramineus variegatus , or variegated sweet flag. This rhizomatous perennial likes partial shade and a moist soil with organic matter. It spreads and reaches a mature height of 6-8 inches.