Description

Aspidistra

There are 8 or more species of evergreen rhizomatous perennials from woodlands in the Himalayas, China, and Japan.  They produce long lasting leathery, glossy basal leaves that are elliptic to lance shaped pointed narrows at the base.  It bears solitary 6 to 8 lobed purple or gray white flowers with purple markings borne in spring and summer.  The rhizomes are pollinated by snails or slugs, and are hidden by the foliage.  They are cultivated for their tolerance of deep shade and fluctuating temperatures and neglect.  They’re commonly grown as a tough and indestructible houseplant and as a ground cover in mild climates.

When grown indoors plant in soil based potting mix in bright filtered light.  During growing season water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly.

When grown outdoors place in moist, but well drained fertile, sandy loam with added leaf mold in a sheltered site in full or partial shade.  Divide in spring.

Prone to anthracnose, fungal leaf spots, and nonparasitic conditions (algal leaf spot and slime molds).  Mealy bugs, scale insects, spider mites, and vine weevil larvae.

Aspidistra elatior ‘Milky Way’ – Cast-iron Plant ‘Milky Way’ – This rhizomatous perennial from China grows to 24” tall and in breadth is commonly used as a houseplant.  From the rhizomes it produces ovate to lance shaped, glossy dark green leaves speckled with white, pointed at the tips, and are 12-20” long, held on 6” leaf stalks.  It bears broadly bell shaped 8 lobed cream to dark purple flowers ¾-1 ¼” wide, with a maroon inside are borne singly in early summer.

Zones 7-11