Cast-Iron Plant
Aspidistra elatior
Cast-Iron Plant is a perennial for edging, groundcover, suited to shade and partial shade and clay or loam, flowering varies by climate.
| Type | Perennial |
|---|---|
| Mature height | 75 cm |
| Spread | 60 cm |
| Aspect | shade and partial shade |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Hardiness | USDA 7a-11b |
| Pollinator-friendly | No |
| Pet-safe | Yes |
Where to use it in a border
At around 75 cm, it sits best along the front edge, where a low, spreading habit reads best. Give it about 60 cm of room to spread. It is hardy across USDA zones 7a to 11b, so check it suits your area before planting.
It appears in our lists of shade, clay soil, evergreen plants, pet-safe plants.
Border Builder uses Cast-Iron Plant's height, spread, soil, bloom months and companions to place it in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.
Flowering through the year
Worth knowing
- Evergreen, so it keeps the border furnished through winter.
- It tolerates a shaded, north-facing spot.
Good companions
Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:
- Florida Leucothoefor height behind it
- Northern Sea Oatsto flower when it does not
- Summersweet 'Hummingbird'to flower when it does not
- Summersweet 'Ruby Spice'for height behind it
- Virginia Sweetspire 'Henry's Garnet'for height behind it
- Virginia Sweetspire 'Little Henry'to edge in front
Garden styles
Foundation planting Native Shade cottage Wildlife garden Woodland