Intermediate
skill rating
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Aspidistra elatior (Common aspidistra)
1 hour care
per year
per year
1m
Max height
Max height
0.5m
Max spread
Max spread
5-10 years
To maturity
To maturity
Plant details
Botanical name
Aspidistra elatior
Other names
Bar room plant, Common aspidistra, Cast iron plant
Genus
Aspidistra Aspidistra
Species
A. elatior - A. elatior is a tender, evergreen perennial with lance-shaped, glossy, dark green leaves and inconspicuous brown-cream flowers at soil level in summer.
Aspidistra elatior is: Evergreen
Habit
Upright
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
Flower
Cream, Brown in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Glasshouse red spider mite , Mealybugs , Scale insects , Thrips , Vine weevil Glasshouse red spider mite , Mealybugs , Scale insects , Thrips , Vine weevil
General care
Pruning
No pruning required. Remove dead leaves to the base.
Propagation methods
Division
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Where to grow
Aspidistra elatior (Common aspidistra) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.5m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Conservatory, Containers, Drought Tolerant, Indoor, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
Grow inside in loam-based potting compost in filtered light. Water sparingly in winter and apply fertiliser once a month. Tolerates neglect. If grown outdoors, plant in a frost-free environment in full or partial shade.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Aspect
East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Indoor unheated (H2)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Aspidistra elatior
Other names
Bar room plant, Common aspidistra, Cast iron plant
Genus
Aspidistra Aspidistra
Species
A. elatior - A. elatior is a tender, evergreen perennial with lance-shaped, glossy, dark green leaves and inconspicuous brown-cream flowers at soil level in summer.
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Upright
Awards
RHS AGM (Award of Garden Merit)
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Colour
Flower
Cream, Brown in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Glasshouse red spider mite , Mealybugs , Scale insects , Thrips , Vine weevil
General care
Pruning
No pruning required. Remove dead leaves to the base.
Propagation methods
Division
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Aspidistra elatior (Common aspidistra) will reach a height of 1m and a spread of 0.5m after 5-10 years.
Suggested uses
Architectural, Conservatory, Containers, Drought Tolerant, Indoor, Low Maintenance, Mediterranean, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
Grow inside in loam-based potting compost in filtered light. Water sparingly in winter and apply fertiliser once a month. Tolerates neglect. If grown outdoors, plant in a frost-free environment in full or partial shade.
Soil type
Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Shade
Aspect
East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Indoor unheated (H2)
USDA zones
Zone 11, Zone 10, Zone 9
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types) | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Shade | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Indoor heated (H1), Indoor unheated (H2) | Tell us... |
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