Product Description
Aspidistra elatior (4) 1-gallons
Cast Iron plant
Zone 7 to 9,
Shade.
Mature foliage height 2 to 3 feet by 2 to 3 feet wide.
Cornlike, ovate, dark green, glossy, tough-leathery foliage. In late spring to early summer, it may produce fleshy, bell-shaped, purplish-brown flowers near soil level. Member of the lily family.
Aspidistra elatior, commonly known as the cast iron plant, is surprisingly versatile and can be grown both indoors and outdoors, depending on your climate and preferences. Here is a guide to planting it outdoors:
Suitable Climates:
- Hardiness Zones: Aspidistra elatior is hardy in USDA zones 7-10. This means it can tolerate winter temperatures down to around 0°F (-18°C). If you live in a colder region, it is best to grow it as a houseplant or provide winter protection.
Planting Location:
- Shade to Partial Shade: Choose a location that receives shade to partial shade. Aspidistra elatior thrives in low-light conditions and can even tolerate full shade. Avoid planting it in direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day, as this can scorch the leaves.
- Well-Drained Soil: Ensure the soil is well-drained. Aspidistra elatior does not like to sit in wet feet, so amend heavy clay soil with organic matter to improve drainage.
Planting Steps:
- Prepare the Soil: Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
- Plant the Aspidistra: Carefully remove the plant from its container and loosen any circling roots. Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
- Backfill and Water: Fill the hole with amended soil, gently firming it around the roots. Water thoroughly to settle the soil.
Care and Maintenance:
- Watering: Water regularly, especially during the first growing season, to help the plant establish a strong root system. Once established, Aspidistra elatior is quite drought tolerant.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as shredded leaves or bark, around the plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilizing: Fertilize once or twice a year with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
- Pruning: Remove any damaged or yellowing leaves as needed.
Benefits of Outdoor Planting:
- Groundcover: Aspidistra elatior can be used as a groundcover in shady areas where grass struggles to grow.
- Erosion Control: Its spreading habit can help to stabilize slopes and prevent erosion.
- Low Maintenance: It is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal care once established.
- Year-Round Interest: Its evergreen foliage provides year-round color and texture to the garden.
Considerations:
- Invasiveness: In some areas, Aspidistra elatior can become invasive, spreading aggressively by rhizomes. Monitor its growth and control its spread if necessary.
- Snails and Slugs: Watch out for snails and slugs, which can damage the foliage.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully plant and enjoy the beauty of Aspidistra elatior in your outdoor garden.
In the southern states Aspidistra grows carefree as a groundcover in dense, dark shade. In other regions, it is usually grown as a houseplant. Old brown-spotted foliage should be entirely removed to encourage new growth. Common name comes from its ability to tolerate poor conditions such as low light, drafts, low humidity and neglect in watering and dusting.
(4) 1-gallon containers ready to plant, plants maybe trimmed for shipping,
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
