Aspidistra oblanceifolia 'Nagoya Stars'

Nagoya Stars Cast Iron Plant

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Item #: 8431

Zones: 7b to 10b, at least

Dormancy: Evergreen

Height: 30" tall

Culture: Light Shade to Shade

Origin: China

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


Regular price $27.00
Regular price Sale price $27.00
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Where has this incredible aspidistra been all my life? Actually, Aspidistra oblanceifolia is a recently (1982) named Chinese species (southern Guizhou, western Hubei, and Sichuan) of cast iron plant. Thanks to plantsman Ted Stephens for sharing this cast iron plant he picked up from a Japanese nursery. In five years, Aspidistra 'Nagoya Stars' makes a fantastic 30" tall x 6' wide clump of upright, outward arching, dark glossy-green leaves that are heavily speckled with medium-sized bright yellow spots. We've seen only a tiny bit of winter foliage burn at 9 degrees F. In early February (NC), the base of the evergreen foliage is adorned with dozens of small red flowers...one of the most prolific flowering cast iron plants we've ever seen, and without question, one of the best garden worthy cast iron plants ever introduced!

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.