About
Rohdea japonica, the Japanese sacred lily, is a rhizomatous perennial to 25 cm with rosettes of dark-green, leathery, strap-shaped leaves to 45 cm long. In early spring it produces a short, upright spike of tightly packed, greenish-white, bell-shaped flowers, followed by red berries. A handsome foliage plant for a shaded, moist border.
About the genus
Rohdea are rhizomatous perennials with basal rosettes of fleshy, dark-green leaves and erect spikes of narrowly bell-shaped flowers in early spring. Grown as ornamental foliage plants for shaded, moist positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toChina and Japan
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, humus-rich, moderately fertile soil in full or partial shade
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn, or by division in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to damage by slugs, snails and vine weevil larvae
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free