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Photo by JLBG taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC
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Photo by JLBG taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC
Aspidistra linearifolia 'Skinny Dippin'
Skinny Dippin Cast Iron Plant
Item #: 7557
Zones: 7a to 10b
Dormancy: Evergreen
Height: 16" tall
Origin: China
Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)
Aspidistra linearifolia 'Skinny Dippin' is a 2008 Plant Delights/JLBG introduction of our selection of the little-known cast iron plant that was just discovered in 1987. Aspidistra linearifolia hails from southern China (Hong Kong to Guizhou). The 16" long x 1" narrow green leaves make a tight 1' wide 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. Aspidistra linearifolia 'Skinny Dippin' has the most prominent white central stripe of all the seedlings we have grown. We have grown this extraordinary cast iron plant in the garden since 1999 and have never seen any winter damage, but for those in colder zones, enjoy this as a superb low-light house plant.
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.
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Other Attributes
Genus: Aspidistra
Flower Color: Purple/Lavender
Leaf Color: Green
Bloom Time: Winter
Container Role: Thrillers
Garden Themes: Living Wall
Other: Deer Resistant Plants , Drought Tolerant Plants , Dry Shade Plants , Groundcovers , Medicinal Plants , Plant Delights Introductions , Plants from China , Rabbit Resistant Plants , Rain Garden Plants , Salt Tolerant Seaside Plants , Tropical Looking Plants , Plant Delights Creations and Discoveries