Perennials – Cast Iron Plant

Botanical name: aspidistra elatior

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: up to 2 ft in height and width

Hardy zone: zones 8-11

Foliage color: green/white/yellow

Growth rate: grows less than a foot per year

Pruning instructions: remove dead or dying foliage and trim to maintain desired size as needed

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: great for a shade garden

Light needs: less than 3 hours of sun per day

Special features: pollinated by fungus gnats

Watering instructions: allow soil to partially dry between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions : use a balanced liquid fertilizer no more than once a month during the spring and summer

Best time to plant: spring

Best type of soil: adapts to all kinds of soil

Companion plants: ferns, hostas, loropetalum

Toxicity level: non-toxic for humans and pets if ingested

Invasive species: no