Cast Iron Plant
Aspidistra elatior
This plant 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.
| Botanical Pronunciation: | as-pi-DIS-tra e-LAY-tee-or |
| Key feature: | Shade Loving |
| Plant type: | Perennial |
| Deciduous/evergreen: | Evergreen |
| Cold hardiness zones: | 6 - 11 |
| Light needs: | Full shade |
| Sunset climate zones: | 4 - 10, 12 - 31 |
| Water Needs: | Once established, needs only occasional watering. |
| Average landscape size: | Slow growing 2 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide. |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Special features: | Easy Care |
| Landscape uses: | Border, Houseplant, Seacoast Exposure, Specimen, Woodland Garden |
| Blooms: | Inconspicuous |
| Foliage color: | Dark Green |
| Item no.: | 0345 |
| Retailers for this plant: |
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.
Design Ideas
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.
Companion Plants
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.
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.
Videos Featuring the Cast Iron Plant
Jamie Durie: Easy Shade Garden (01:36)
A common gardening challenge is what to plant in the shady spots of the...
This plant 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.
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.
Design Ideas
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.
Companion Plants
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.
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 |
| Key feature: | Shade Loving |
| Plant type: | Perennial |
| Deciduous/evergreen: | Evergreen |
| Cold hardiness zones: | 6 - 11 |
| Light needs: | Full shade |
| Sunset climate zones: | 4 - 10, 12 - 31 |
| Water Needs: | Once established, needs only occasional watering. |
| Average landscape size: | Slow growing 2 ft. tall, 2 to 3 ft. wide. |
| Growth rate: | Slow |
| Special features: | Easy Care |
| Landscape uses: | Border, Houseplant, Seacoast Exposure, Specimen, Woodland Garden |
| Blooms: | Inconspicuous |
| Foliage color: | Dark Green |
| Item no.: | 0345 |
