We recently included a photo of this amazing cast iron plant in a garden vignette, but thought it was also deserving of a full frontal centerfold. Aspidistra sichuanensis ‘Spotty’ is one of 16 named cultivars we grow, of this wonderful species from Sichuan, China. This exceptional clone was selected by our friend, Sean Hogan of Cistus. Unlike Aspidistra elatior, whose foliage remains upright, the leaves on Aspidistra sichuanensis rise upward, only to arch strongly outward as they mature. In the garden, this gives the visual appearance of flowing water. Like all cast iron plants, they also make exceptional house plants. Hardiness Zone 7b-10b.
George Orwell (who wrote 1984 and Animal Farm) also wrote a book which was titled ‘Keep the Aspidistra Flying’. In that book, aspidistra embodies the conformity of a set of mediocre middle class values that the protagonist is trying to escape. The diversity of the aspidistra of Juniper Level Botanic Gardens blow up this trope. I wish I could show Spotty to my high school English teacher!
It looks like this Aspidistra is planted at the based of a tree; what tree is it?
The tree is Cryptomeria japonica ‘Pyramidata’
Very nice! Love aspidistra and love the growth habit habit on this one. Reminds me of Nagoya Stars, which I was ecstatic to find at one of your open houses several years ago. Bought it, planted it, but it did not survive. (I think it was unearthed by a critter.
Really hard to find. Will you ever offer Nagoya Stars again?
Mary Bean
The next drop of Aspidistra ‘Nagoya Stars’ is schedule to go on-line in a couple of weeks. Thanks for asking.