About

Aspidistra elatior is a perennial plant that remains evergreen and can grow up to 60 cm in height. It features glossy, dark green, leathery leaves that are lance-shaped. In early summer, it produces subtle brownish-cream flowers that emerge close to the ground.

About the genus

Aspidistra are perennial plants that grow from rhizomes, characterized by their upright, leathery leaves which can be either elliptic or lanceolate in shape. Their flowers, which are brownish and not particularly noticeable, develop directly from the rhizome.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Full shade, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Aspect
West-facing, South-facing, North-facing, East-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Plant type
Conservatory Greenhouse, Houseplants
Habit
Clump forming
Foliage
Evergreen
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
10-20 years
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
Native to
Japan

Care notes

Cultivation
Grow under glass or in frost-free enviroment. Tolerant of some neglect
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by division
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to mealybugs, glasshouse red spider mite, scale insects, thrips and vine weevil
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free