cast iron plant
Aspidistra elatior
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones8 to 10
SunHandles partial sun to full shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Clumping
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Creamy purple
- Foliage color
- Green, purple/lavender, red/burgundy, variegated, white
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral, alkaline
- Toxicity
- Toxic to pets
Garden uses
Notes
Cast iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is a houseplant for containers, shade gardens, and low maintenance borders. It is hardy to USDA zone 8, or down to 10°F (-12°C). This plant likes part sun to full shade and dry to moist soil of most types. It grows slowly into a clumping mound of evergreen leaves. It is also drought tolerant and salt tolerant. Keep it away from pets, since it is toxic to them.
Pairs well with Autumn fern, Foam flower, and Little brown jug.
Native range
Asia.