Monrovia : Learn

This perennial is as tough as its name! It will practically grow in the dark. Excellent for those difficult to fill areas in deep shade. Spreads by underground stems. Evergreen. Slow growing 2 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide. Shade. Division.

Performance and Requirements

Light needs: Shade

Watering Needs: Once established, needs only occasional watering.

Pruning Time: No Value

Growth Rate: Slow Growing

Growth Habit: Clumping

Design Information

Companion Plants

CLEMENTINE MIX COLUMBINE
Aquilegia vulgaris 'Clementine Formula Mix'

MEXICAN ANISE-TREE
Illicium mexicanum

SANTA CLAUS FUCHSIA
Fuchsia hybrida 'Santa Claus'

FROSTED VIOLET CORAL BELLS
Heuchera 'Frosted Violet' P.P.# 15085

ORANGE FLAME OREGON GRAPE HOLLY
Mahonia aquifolium 'Orange Flame' P.P.# 2544

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Companion Plants (Description): Combine with fine leaved blooming shrubs and perennials like Columbine, Fushcia, Mexican Anise-tree and Bellflower in a shady bed or woodland setting. Purple leaf Coral Bells and Oregon Grape Holly both add contrast and texture to the flat, green leaves of the Cast Iron Plant.

Design Styles: For a gardener with a brown thumb, this sturdy, long lasting plant can be used in areas where all else fails; it is always green, and can handle deep shade under deck stairs or along foundations that receive almost no sunlight.

Care Information

Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Watering can be reduced after establishment. Feed with a general purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring.

Background Information

History: Native to the Osumi Islands of Japan, it inhabits forest floors and receives its common name of Cast Iron Plant due to its ability to survive under dark and neglectful conditions.  New species of this plant are currently being discovered throughout East Asia.

Botanical Pronunciation: as-pi-DIS-tra e-LAY-tee-or

Catalog Description: This perennial is as tough as its name! It will practically grow in the dark. Excellent for those difficult to fill areas in deep shade. Spreads by underground stems. Evergreen. Slow growing 2 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide. Shade. Division.