About

Aspidistra sichuanensis 'Golden Freckles' is a robust evergreen perennial that develops into a dense clump, characterized by its elongated, lance-shaped leaves. These glossy dark green leaves feature distinctive pale greenish-yellow speckling. While commonly cultivated as a houseplant, this species can also thrive in garden settings within temperate climates. It demonstrates good shade tolerance and can withstand drier soil conditions.

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

East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Plant type

Houseplants

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Evergreen

Height

0.5-1 metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Houseplants, Patio and container plants

Care notes

Cultivation

As a houseplant, grow in large pots of peat-free, loam-based compost. Although tolerant of deep shade, growth is best in bright, filtered light with a minimum temperature of 7°C. Water moderately in growth and apply a balanced liquid feed 2-3 times during the growing season; variegated cultivars revert to green if overfed. Outdoors grow in moist but well-drained, fertile, sandy loam with added leaf mould, in a sheltered site with full or partial shade. See houseplant cultivation for further information

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by division

Pest resistance

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

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free