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Tolmiea menziesii ‘Taff’s Gold’ (Piggyback plant)

Tolmiea menziesii ‘Taff’s Gold’ Photo/Illustration: Jerry Pavia



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Tolmiea menziesii ‘Taff’s Gold’ Common Name: Piggyback plant

This western-native ground cover happily lightens any dark spot in the garden. ‘Taff’s Gold’ has spectacular foliage that is irregularly mottled in creams and greens. Unusual plantlets form at the base of the older leaves—hence, the name “piggyback plant.” With the exception of long periods of drought, this plant needs little or no water. Piggyback plant also makes a nice addition to hanging baskets and containers.


 Care: Moist, rich soil.
 Propagation: By division, seed, or cuttings.
 Problems:

 Mealybugs, spider mites.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Light Part Shade to Full Shade
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Native
Bloom Time Early Summer; Late Spring; Spring; Summer
Foliage Color Variegated Foliage
Flower Color Brown Flower; Purple/ Lavender Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Shade, Indoor Plant
Seasonal Interest Spring Interest, Summer Interest
Type Perennials

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