The cast iron plant, Aspidistra elatior ‘Morning Frost’ is looking particularly dapper in the winter garden. We think the variegated cultivars of cast iron plants provide a lovely touch of brightness in the winter woodland. Typically, cast iron plant foliage lasts for 2-3 years, and by year three, it begins to look ragged. Every spring, we remove the oldest years foliage, which leaves the clump always looking fresh.
If you travel through the deep southeastern US, you’ll see some terribly unattractive cast iron clumps, often in municipal landscapes, since many landscape maintenance crews have both poor horticultural skills and plant knowledge. If a cast iron clump has been neglected for years, all of the foliage can be cut to the ground, but this should only be done just before the new growth emerges in early June.
Agree wholeheartedly with your statement of these “clumps” in the south. Here in Houston, more often than not that is what you see under so many stately oaks. I have a smallish clump that I keep orderly by just pulling out the ragged ones. Is this harmful? Thanks
The old stalks are easily cut, but if pulling them works, it won’t harm the plants.