• Image of Aspidistra elatior 'Snow Cap'|Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC|JLBG

    Photo by JLBG taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC

  • Image of Aspidistra elatior 'Snow Cap'|Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC|JLBG

    Photo by JLBG taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC

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Aspidistra elatior 'Snow Cap'

Snow Cap Cast Iron Plant

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Item #: 8422

Zones: 7a 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)


$34.00
$34.00
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(aka: Aspidistra 'Asahi Improved') If you thought a snow cap was only good when shoveling sidewalks in winter, think again. Aspidistra elatior 'Snow Cap' is one of the greatest cast iron plant selections from Japan. Aspidistra 'Snow Cap' is somewhat similar to the popular Aspidistra 'Asahi', except that its white pattern of variegation is larger and persists year round compared to Aspidistra 'Asahi', which is brightest in winter. All white-tipped cast iron plants take a while to develop the white pattern, so please be patient with young plants. Aspidistra elatior 'Snow Cap' produces 30" tall, wide evergreen leaves, topped on the upper half with a vivid white flush. As with all plants with this much white, they are slightly less vigorous than their solid green counterparts. Aspidistra 'Snow Cap' is great to brighten a dark spot in the woodland shade garden.

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. Aspidistra 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 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.