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

Ogisu's Hainan Cast Iron Plant

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

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Item #: 8629

Zones: 8a to 10b, at least

Dormancy: Evergreen

Height: 24" 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

Aspidistra hainanensis 'Ogisu' is a Chinese collection from Japanese plant collector Mikinori Ogisu. We originally received it as Aspidistra cf. omeiense, but it was later determined to be Aspidistra hainanensis. This cast iron plant looks more like a wide-leaf clump of upright liriope than an aspidistra, so use it to fool all of your gardening friends. In our trials, Aspidistra hainanensis 'Ogisu' has shown no damage at 9 degrees F...a nice evergreen feature in the shade garden. Although it represents different genetics, we see very little difference between this and Aspidistra hainanensis 'Jade Ribbons'.

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.