Aspidistra elatior

834-003D4 Aspidistra elatior ( Cast-iron plant )
Joy Creek Photo Archive (c) all rights reserved	Most commonly we find Aspidistra elatior in the house plant section of a nursery, however, it has proven winter hardy in gardens in the Pacific Northwest and has recently gained a fan club here. Coming from woodland sites in Taiwan and the southern islands of Japan, it is tolerant of low light and seems unphased by irregular watering and moderate cold. Its common name Cast-iron plant comes from its ability to withstand neglect. The evergreen, long-lasting leaves are lance-shaped coming to a sharp point. They arch up from the ground and have a twist or wave toward their ends. Their rich green gloss is a good way to bring reflected light into the garden and their size, although not overly-large (on average about 20 inches long and five wide), focuses the eye in a busy garden much as a mid-sized hosta might. The unusual flowers are up-facing bells at ground-level along the rhizome. Keep the foliage out of strong light to prevent leaf-scorch. And make sure you provide adequate drainage so roots do not rot in water-logged soil. Early summer. 24 in. x 24 in. Cream/Maroon flowers *Shade, Part Shade Zones 7, 8, 9, 10, 11*