Cast Iron Plant
Aspidistra elatior
USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: 8a-11 Find Your Zone
Plant Type: Evergreen Perennial
Height at Maturity: 18-24"
Width at Maturity: 24-30"
Spacing: 18" for mass plantings; 42" or more for space between plants
Growth Habit / Form: Clumping, Dense, Upright, Vase/Fountain Shape
Growth Rate: Slow or Moderate
Flower Color: None
Flower Size: NA
Flowering Period: NA
Flower Type: NA
Fragrant Flowers: NA
Foliage Color: Deep Green
Fragrant Foliage: NA
Berries: NA
Berry Color: NA
Sun Needs: Full Shade to Part Shade (no afternoon sun)
Water Needs: Low when established
Soil Type: Clay (amended), Loam, Sand, Silt
Soil Moisture / Drainage: Well-drained moist to somewhat dry
Soil pH: 4.5 - 5.5 (Acid)
Maintenance / Care: Low
Attracts: Visual Attention
Resistances: Deer, Disease, Drought, Dry Soil, Heat, Humidity, Insect, Rabbit, Deep Shade
Description
One tough evergreen perennial plant that lives up to its name, the Cast Iron Plant will practically grow in the dark, loves the heat, isn't phased by arid and dry conditions, so is perfect for planting in those difficult to fill areas in deep shade, even under large shade trees. Lush, upward facing deep green leaves form attractive clumps that provide bold texture and contrast in the shade garden. It can be grown as an evergreen perennial outdoors in zones 8-11 and ranks right up there with snake plants and Philodendrons as being an almost indestructible houseplant.
Please Note: The 1 gallon size plant shown below represents the average size plant we ship which, depending on the time of year, usually has 3 to 6 or more leaves.
Landscape & Garden Uses
Growing in upright clumps about 2 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide, the Cast Iron Plant is ideal for use as an accent, in groupings or as a border in shady garden beds, home foundation plantings and grows very well under the canopies of large shade trees, decks or any other full shade environment. Excellent as a solo or combined with other shade loving plants in container gardens and is an almost indestructible houseplant. A fine addition to the tropical-look garden, perennial shade gardens, cut flower gardens, cottage gardens and woodland and rock gardens.
Spacing: 18 inches apart for mass plantings or solid borders; 42 inches or more apart for space between plants
How To Measure Total Square Feet Of A Planting Area
How Many Plants Needed To Cover A Planting Area?
Note: For our customers who live and garden north of USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 8a, where Cast Iron Plant is not reliably winter hardy, you'll be happy to know it can be grown in containers that can be brought indoors during winter and placed back outside when temperatures warm up in spring.
Growing Preferences
Cast Iron Plant thrives in dense shade to part shade and almost any well-drained soil with average fertility. Morning sun is okay however avoid exposing this plant to direct afternoon sunlight. When grown as a houseplant use a container with a drainage hole(s) and a light premium potting mix. When grown outdoors in pots use a premium potting soil or a 50/50 mix of potting soil and potting mix.
Plant Long & Prosper!
Meet The Wilson Brothers & Staff
Exactly what I expected, good quality plants in good condition and shipped timely. Would not hesitate to do business with Wilson Bros again. I spent a lot of time and money driving around looking for these plants and could not find them. Lesson learned is to simply go on line, order them from Wilson Bros, and then save money and time. thanks Wilson Bros for great service.----------------------------------We are so glad you are pleased and we hope you enjoy them for years to come! Thanks so much for the kind words and awesome review! :) Beth Steele | WBG
