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Aspidistra elatior 'Suisho' - Cast Iron Plant from Quackin Grass Nursery
Aspidistra elatior 'Suisho'
Cast Iron Plant
Plant Type:
TENDER PERENNIALSAspidistra elatior 'Suisho' (ex: Jonathan Lehrer) - Jon's original plant, the 3rd starter he attempted having lost the previous two, was the identified 6-inch tall 'Susiho' as seen described on line but exceptionally rare in gardeners' hands. The plant Jon sent has all the height of 'Ippin', the cultivar from which 'Suisho' sported. So, why the discrepancy?
From Jon: "Suisho is from Ippin. Ippin is famous for being variable. Suisho may simply be an unstable dwarf form that reverts to standard Ippin (like the plants sent). Plants such as aspidistra often go through a small juvenile phase after being divided. My Suisho was originally small (tiny as you describe) and increased in size over the years. The stock plant I divided had been growing for 5-7 years under greenhouse conditions. So what does this all mean? At the very least we have a nice form of Ippin, which is special. It started as Suisho and may still be Suisho, though now perhaps a mature Suisho. Suisho Improved? What do you think?"
...I don't know what to think?! Is 'Suisho' some anomalous genetic weirdo knot that once it unties itself from that gnarl rises like Pheonix from the ashes into something greater? I do know that the plant I now have under the moniker 'Suisho' which means "crystal" is very beautiful, handsome and may, indeed, be an improved 'Ippin'. However designated and however it may have gotten from thereto here the resulting entity is rare and worthy. We're continuing to designate this as 'Suisho'. It is definitely a collector plant. And 'Suisho' offers the full spectrum classy garden applications of all other Aspidistra. Or it may be potted, used in the conservatory, greenhouse or in the home. These will arrive bare root.
Characteristics and Attributes for Aspidistra elatior 'Suisho'
Season of Interest (Flowering)
- Spring
Season of Interest (Foliage)
- Four Seasons
Light
- Shade
- Dappled Shade
Attributes
- Border
- Greenhouse / Alpine House
- Foliage
- Conservatory
- Evergreen
- Collector Plant
- Ground Cover
- House Plant
- Woodland
Growth Rate in the Garden
- Medium
Soil
- Draining
- Fertile
Origins
- Garden Origin
Propagated By
- Division
Genus Overview: Aspidistra
Good old-fashioned Cast-Iron Plant is resurging in popularity as the tough garden denizen it is when located in even quite dense shade down south in USDA zones 7 to 10 or as a potted plant in the north. It is also possible they may exhibit greater northern hardiness according to Professor Jonathan Lehrer (into USDA zone 6) as it re-emerges in his Long Island garden. It would be worth seeking out Jonathan's sage article, From Cast-Iron to Gilded Gold, which appeared the June, 2011 issue of American Nurseryman. But let me offer one colorful quote right here, right now: "this herbaceous perennial from Japan has long been the butt of Western insult. It debuted as a tortured container plant in the dusty, drafty parlors of Victorian England and became a maligned icon of literature and song. A forgiving character, apsidistra sought refuge at the local pub only to serve admirably potted in a spittoon." ...Very cheeky, indeed.
The blade shaped leaves are glossy to semi-glossy on tough stems. Aspidistra is virtually evergreen down south sited outdoors and certainly evergreen as a potted plant in your vestibule up north. The flowers which occur at ground level or just below are akin to wine-maroon sea anemones with the "tentacles" becoming waxy opaque whitish at the tips. Flower color may vary somewhat from this descriptive. And though the flowers are perhaps not a Cast Iron Plant's most ornamental feature, hidden or otherwise they are nevertheless cool, odd curious and even luridly beguiling - one could say their season of flowers, generally during winter, offers a fascinating "Angry Red Planet" dimension... Okay, okay - some of us are easily amused.
If grown as a house plant filtered shade to early morning sun is adequate. Full sun behind nylon (or another gauzy material) curtains is excellent. Do not over water cast iron plant. If constantly wet it will rot. Water thoroughly but never let it sit in water. In winter keep them even drier. In late winter look for new growth tips shooting up above the soil. Check for the amazing flowers at this moment. Increase water at that time. But again it is imperative as a house plant that you let the plant go dry between waterings. A moderately good but draining soil/medium is best.
There are remarkably beautiful variegated color forms available and through the generous support of Jon we are offering some. Our plants are pot-grown divisions.