Aspidistra elatior 'Milky Way'

Also Known As

Milky Way Cast Iron Plant

Plant type

perennial, groundcover

size

H: 18"-36"
W: 12"-30"

planting zones

8a-12

More Options

Aspidistra elatior 'Milky Way' plant details

Aspidistra elatior 'Milky Way' is a broadleaf evergreen perennial groundcover with green, variegated and white foliage. In spring 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 'Milky Way'

Plant type: perennial groundcover
Plant family: asparagaceae
Foliage: evergreen green, variegated and white
Mature size: 12 IN - 30 IN - wide, 18 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: cream and purple blooms in spring
Uses: award-winning, big leaves, tropical-looking, woodland garden, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Aspidistra elatior 'Milky Way'

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

There seems to be some confusion over the true ‘Milky Way’, but ours is an oldie with broad leaf blades 18-24” tall with lots of creamy speckling looking like someone flecked a paint brush at the green surface. Makes an easy house pet and will grow outdoors in shade (even deep shade) forming a nice evergreen patch over time. Decent soil, moderate water. Tough as nails. Nice with ferns and such! Critter resistant.

By: Secret Garden Growers

Aspidistra milky way is a spotted form of cast iron plants. The dark green leaves are covered with small white spots. A great plant for containers and landscapes. Slow growing and tough. Plants grow to 2 to 3 feet tall.

By: Brian's Botanicals

The leaves on this cultivar are covered in white spots like the stars in the sky. Broad tropical foliage "twists" its way up from the ground. Evergreen leaves grow to 2 feet 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

Aspidistra elatior 'Old-fashioned and rarely seen variant of the cast iron plant with yellow polka dots on narrow, shiny leaves, to 18" tall. Pretty in the garden or in containers. Consistent moisture for growth where nights are cool in afternoon shade to the darkest imaginable areas. Frost hardy in USDA zone 8 to upper zone 7 with protection.

By: Cistus Nursery

Garden photo gallery of Aspidistra elatior 'Milky Way'

Photo of Aspidistra elatior 'Milky Way' foliage by Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Karl Gercens III

By: Fantastic Plants

Gardening facts about Aspidistra elatior 'Milky Way' plant

How to Grow Aspidistra elatior 'Milky Way'

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