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Aspidistra subrotata var. crassinervis - Cast Iron Plant from Quackin Grass Nursery
Aspidistra subrotata var. crassinervis
Cast Iron Plant
Plant Type:
TENDER PERENNIALSAspidistra subrotata var. crassinervis - Very rare with alleged greater cold tolerance. We do not know with certaintly. Dark green blades are heavily corrugated for a very different look in the realm of Cast Iron Plants. Bases of stems at and above ground level are colored dark purple subtending a white zone before the green of the wiry, fibrous leaf stems exacts itself flaring into the unusual leaves.
Characteristics and Attributes for Aspidistra subrotata var. crassinervis
Season of Interest (Flowering)
- Spring
Season of Interest (Foliage)
- Four Seasons
Light
- Dappled Shade
- Shade
Attributes
- Border
- Foliage
- Woodland
- Foundation
- Drought Tolerant
- Conservatory
- Evergreen
- Collector Plant
- Natural Garden
- Ground Cover
Growth Rate in the Garden
- Medium
Soil
- Fertile
- Draining
- Moist
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.