• Image of Aspidistra omeiensis 'Come Pleated'taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG
  • Image of Aspidistra omeiensis 'Come Pleated'taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC by JLBG
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Aspidistra omeiensis 'Come Pleated'

Come Pleated Cast Iron Plant

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

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Item #: 8627

Zones: 7b to 10b, at least

Dormancy: Evergreen

Height: 18" tall

Culture: Light Shade to Shade

Origin: China

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


Logo indicating plant is one of Plant Delights' Introductions

In 2004, we obtained this rare Chinese native cast iron plant with no species name. When it finally flowered, it turned out to be the little-known Aspidistra omeiensis, a species from 2,000'-3,500' elevation in Sichuan China, that was only named in 1981. Aspidistra omeiensis has 2' tall x 1" wide, heavily-pleated dark evergreen leaves that arch outward to form an 18" tall x 2' wide clump. Aspidistra omeiensis has been great in our woodland garden since 2005. The foliage is completely unique from most of the other cast iron plant species we have grown.

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.