Aspidistra attenuata 'Alishan Broad'
Alishan Broad Cast Iron Plant
Item #: 2291
Zones: 8a to 11
Dormancy: Evergreen
Height: 34" tall
Origin: Taiwan
Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)
(aka: Aspidistra daibuensis A1TW-355b) Aspidistra attenuata 'Alishan Broad' is our 2008 collection from 5,300' on Taiwan's Mt. Alishan. The 34" long x 4.5" wide green leaves are lightly speckled yellow. The basal flowers, produced in early February (NC), are simply amazing...resembling red jester caps with yellow tips and a yellow throat. Aspidistra make superb, easy-to-grow, low-light house plants where they aren't winter hardy outdoors.
Maintenance:
Aspidistra are very low maintenance perennials. Each leaf can last up to 3 years, but after the second year, it will begin to show signs of aging and leaf degradation. For that reason, we recommend removing all old foliage regularly to retain the attractiveness of the clump. It's always disappointing to see large patches of cast iron plants in public spaces where it hasn't been properly maintained.
Growing Conditions:
Cast iron plants grow well in both moist and dry soils as long as the drainage is good. They must be grown in shade, since their foliage will scorch if they are subjected to sun. In the jungles where they grow, they are often seen in very deep shade.
In containers, they make superb house plants. The common name cast iron plant speaks to their durability in less than ideal conditions. Regular moisture, including increased humidity when they are grown as house plants, keeps them from getting stressed and becoming susceptible to spider mites.
Garden Value:
The bold texture and upright form of cast iron plants is invaluable in the garden, since there few other plants with this form and texture. Many aspidistra plants have amazing flowers, produced at the base of the foliage, often in the winter months. While these flowers are rarely noticed in the garden, they can be quite attractive in the home.
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Other Attributes
Genus: Aspidistra
Flower Color: Purple/Lavender
Leaf Color: Green
Bloom Time: Winter
Container Role: Fillers
Garden Themes: Living Wall , Rock Garden Plants
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