• Image of Aspidistra elatior 'Sekko Kan'taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG
  • Image of Aspidistra elatior 'Sekko Kan'taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG
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Aspidistra elatior 'Sekko Kan'

White Snowy Crown Cast Iron Plant

This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.

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Item #: 7519

Zones: 7b to 10b

Dormancy: Evergreen

Height: 30" tall

Culture: Light Shade to Shade

Origin: China

Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)


This stunning (a word not usually used with cast iron plants) Japanese selection of the common Aspidistra elatior, forms a clump of 30" tall x 5" wide dark green leaves, highlighted on the upper half with heavily frosted white streaks. The Japanese name, 'Sekko Kan', no relation to "Wrath of Khan", means "white snowy crown." Imagine crossing Aspidistra 'Okame' with Aspidistra 'Asahi' and you get the picture. We find clumps need to be at least three years old for the full coloration to occur, so take a Siberian vacation and CHILL.

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. Cast iron plants 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 cast iron 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.