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Conservatory GreenhouseHouseplants

Aspidistra elatior
  • RHS AGM

bar room plant

An evergreen rhizomatous perennial to 60cm, with glossy dark green, leathery, lance-shaped leaves and inconspicuous dull brownish-cream flowers borne at soil level in early summer

Other common names
cast iron plant
common aspidistra
Synonyms
Aspidistra insularis
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Brown Cream Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full shade
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing or North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Asparagaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Aspidistra are rhizomatous, evergreen perennials with upright, leathery, elliptic or lance-shaped leaves and inconspicuous brownish flowers borne on the rhizome

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Japan

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass or in frost-free enviroment. Tolerant of some neglect

Propagation

Propagate by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, thrips and vine weevil

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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