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Products > Aspidistra elatior 'Little John'
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| Category: Perennial |
| Family: Liliaceae (Lilies) |
| Origin: China (Asia) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Brown |
| Bloomtime: Spring |
| Height: 1 foot |
| Width: 2-3 feet |
| Exposure: Shade |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 0-10° F |
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Aspidistra elatior 'Little John' (Dwarf Cast Iron Plant) - Perennial with narrow 1 foot long dark green leaves that rise vertically from a slowly spreading rhizome to eventually form dense clumps. This is a much smaller version of the more common Cast Iron plant. It is similar to 'Ginga Minor' which we grew for many years but it does not have any spotting on the foliage such as that cultivar has. 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. As with all of the Aspidistra 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. For this reason it has earned its reputation as a nearly indestructible houseplant. 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. 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. This species 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". We received this plant in 2019 from John Greenlee. It likely has some cultivar name that we don't know but for now have given it the name 'Little John' to indicate its stature and to honor our source.
Information displayed on this page about Aspidistra elatior 'Little John' is based on the research conducted about it in our library and from reliable online resources. We also note those observations we have made of this plant as it grows in the nursery's garden and in other gardens, as well how crops have performed in our nursery field. We will incorporate comments we receive from others, and welcome to hear from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if they share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.
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