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Aspidistra elatior (Cast Iron Plant) - This perennial is a common house plant and a tough outdoor ornamental with 24- to 36-inch-long deep green leaves. The leaves rise vertically from a slowly spreading rhizome to eventually form dense clumps. Cream and purple-colored flowers in spring are at ground level and are pollinated by snails - while interesting they are rarely seen and not showy.
Aspidistra elatior has the ability to grow in adverse conditions, such as in dark shade areas under eaves or interior courtyards, or in filtered light. Although able to survive these conditions and even extended dry periods, it requires well-drained soil and looks best with regular irrigation and fertilization during spring and summer. Water occasionally to moderately and dust or hose off the leaves to keep them attractive. Hardy in outdoor conditions to short duration temperatures at least down to 15°F and to 0° F with mulching.
Cast Iron Plant is native to Taiwan and islands in southern Japan where it grows as a forest understory plant. The name for the genus comes from the Greek word 'aspidion' meaning "a shield" in reference to the typical broad lanceolate leaves of the species that are shield shaped and the specific epithet means "taller".
This information about Aspidistra elatior displayed is based on research conducted in our horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also will relate observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments that we receive from others and we welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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