Aspidistra linearifolia

Chinese Ribbon Plant

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

Shop Available Aspidistra
Write a review
| 1 answered question

Item #: 3997

Zones: 7a to 10b

Dormancy: Evergreen

Height: 12" tall

Culture: Light Shade to Shade

Origin: China

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


This rare aspidistra species hails from southern China (Hong Kong to Guizhou). The 12" long x 1" wide narrow green leaves make a tight clump, being easily mistaken for a clump of liriope. Each leaf has a deep V in the middle, giving the appearance of a variegated stripe. If you have any idea how hard it is to describe aspidistra and make them sound different (and I'm already over my adjective quotient for this sitting), you will appreciate what has already been written. We have trialed this extraordinary species since 1999 and have never seen any winter damage! We previously offered this under the incorrect name of A. minutiflora.

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.