• Image of Aspidistra sichuanensis 'Gold Lancer'|Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC|JLBG

    Photo by JLBG taken at Juniper Level Botanic Gdn, NC

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Aspidistra sichuanensis 'Gold Lancer'

Gold Lancer Cast Iron Plant

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

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Item #: 9915

Zones: 7b to 9b

Dormancy: Evergreen

Height: 22" 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

(aka: Aspidistra crispa) Aspidistra sichuanensis is a little known Chinese species, which we originally offered as Aspidistra fimbriata. Aspidistra sichuanensis 'Gold Lancer', a 2015 Plant Delights/JLBG introduction, forms a clump of 2-3" wide, pendent-tipped leaves that can reach 32" in length. The very dark green foliage of Aspidistra 'Gold Lancer' is nicely highlighted by large yellow central bands. Aspidistra sichuanensis 'Gold Lancer' has survived 9 degrees F in our garden, but with some leaf burn. Around the base of the stalks in November, you will notice what appears to be small, shriveled, reddish prunes with the tops severed off...that's what you get for flowers...a great gag gift for the pansy and petunia crowd.

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.