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Aspidistra vietnamensis 'Ginga' (Dwarf Spotted Cast Iron Plant) - Perennial with dark green leaves that have yellow spots scattered over the entire surface. The leaves rise vertically to 10 to 15 inches tall from a slowly spreading rhizome to eventually form dense clumps. As with other Aspidistra elatior cultivars this plant 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 for even extended dry periods, it requires well-drained soil and looks best with regular irrigation and fertilization during spring and summer.
Plant in a shaded location and water occasionally to moderately and dust or hose off the leaves to keep them attractive. 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. Hardy in outdoor conditions to short duration temperatures at least down to 15°F and to 0° F with mulching.
Long cultivated as a cultivar of Aspidistra elatior, a species native to Taiwan and islands in southern Japan, with the cultivar name 'Ginga Minor' or as Aspidistra elatior 'Milky Way' and it was later listed as a cultivar of Aspidistra lurida before Aspidistra vietnamensis was formally described. 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 is a reference to this species coming from Vietnam. We grew this fun small cast Iron Plant that we got in 1992 from Herb Kelly at his Kelly's Plant World in Sanger, California from 2006 until 2016 but no longer have it in production.
The information about Aspidistra vietnamensis 'Ginga' displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include 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 we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
