Photo of Aspidistra elatior foliage by Fantastic Plants

Photo by Fantastic Plants

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Aspidistra elatior

Also Known As

  • Cast Iron Plant

Plant type

perennial, groundcover

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 1'-3'

planting zones

  • 8a-12

More Options

Aspidistra elatior plant details

Aspidistra elatior is a slow-growing broadleaf evergreen perennial groundcover with green foliage. In spring black, cream and purple flowers emerge. Features glossy texture. Grows well with bright shade - shade and even moisture - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Aspidistra elatior

Plant type: perennial groundcover
Plant family: asparagaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 1 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: black, cream and purple blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Aspidistra elatior

USDA Zones: 8a - 12
Sun exposure: bright shade - shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - low
Resistant to: deer, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Aspidistra elatior, or Cast Iron Plant, is a sturdy, long lasting perennial with dark green, arching foliage. Forms dense clumps of evergreen foliage. Small, cream to dark purple bell-shaped flowers grow at soil level. An easy care plant that is great in deep shade landscape or can adapt as a houseplant. Once established, it needs only occasional watering. Fertilize in spring and summer.
Broad tropical foliage 'twists' its way up from the ground. Evergreen leaves grow to 2' tall or more, and add a lush texture to any landscape. Excellent in dry spots and under difficult conditions. Awards: Award of Garden Merit.

By: Fantastic Plants

This is an old, reliable, tough plant for pots or beds in shady areas, or indoors. It is an evergreen perennial with large, tall leaves, to 30" long by 5" wide, which are much used in floral arrangements as they are long-lasting. It spreads slowly from rhizomes. Few people ever see the royal-purple I" blooms, as they appear in summer, at ground level, and are buried in the mulch.
Cast iron plant. A standard house plant for eons -- in dark British apartment buildings from Victorian times -- and often used for a tropical touch in southern and western gardens especially in areas seemingly too shady or too dark for anything but slime molds. 6" broad, 3' or more long, shiny dark green leaves with 1", nearly black flowers held against the ground -- a little scary looking and earning the name in China, evil spider egg plant. Despite their usefulness, they are slow to divide and should be kept evenly moist especially along the west Coast where growth is slower due to cooler nights. A very long lived and nearly indestructible container plant. Frost hardy in USDA zone 8; zone 7 with protection.

Gardening facts about Aspidistra elatior plant

How to Grow Aspidistra elatior

  • Sun Exposure

    • bright shade - shade
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • cream
    • purple
    • black
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glossy
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