Easy Accent for Shade

Southern Living, Apr 2005 by Reed, Rebecca Bull

Even if you have a brown thumb, you can grow cast-iron plant. This resilient perennial just won't quit.

If you've been pondering what to plant in that narrow, shady space between the house and sidewalk, wonder no more. Cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior) is the perfect choice. It's versatile and enduring, and few plants are as simple to grow.

Great in the Garden

A mainstay from Charleston to Miami and across to Houston, cast-iron plant can easily go unnoticed. It has no showy flowers or bright fall color, yet it plays a big role in the garden by adding texture and drama to places few plants can thrive. It is the perfect complement to old brick, stucco, stone, and wrought iron. The coarse, vertical foliage is best appreciated when planted in bold, sweeping masses.

Bill Seaman, horticulturist for Arborilogical Services, Inc., in Wylie, Texas, says cast-iron plant is underused. "This tough-as-a-boot plant tops my list for what to place beneath dense shade trees." Cast-iron plant teams well with shrubs and offsets fine-textured ground covers too. In areas where cold may be an issue, plant in a protected area such as a shaded south wall or courtyard.

Though it's long-lived, this open, clump-forming perennial is slow growing, so don't plant too far apart. Carol Guedalia, retail horticulturist for The Greenery, Inc., on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, recommends spacing 3-gallon-size plants 18 inches apart.

Perfect for Pots

"I love to use cast-iron plant in containers," says Carol. It is great alone or combined with contrasting foliage. Some favorite companions include Cretan brake (Pteris cretica), Myers asparagus (Asparagus densiflorus 'Myers'), and hardy begonias. For larger containers, try a variegated selection of cast-iron plant, Southern maidenhair fern (Adiantum capillusveneris), and green Japanese aucuba (Aucuba japonica).

Tremendous in Tough Spots

Cast-iron plant's tolerance of neglect makes it a good choice for planting in bare areas under decks or in containers that may go without water for weeks. While it will tolerate heat and short periods of cold, it won't like direct sun, which causes the leaves to burn.

Handsome in the Home

Cast-iron plant is also an excellent houseplant. Place it about 4 to 5 feet from a sunny, south-facing window, and let the soil surface go dry between waterings. Keeping the plant indoors is a great option if you live in the Upper or Middle South, where it won't look its best outside due to extended periods of cold.

Easy Care

When preparing the soil, the addition of a little compost is good but not necessary. To really make your plants happy, lightly fertilize them in spring or summer. Clean out old leaves in early spring, as new shoots begin to appear. This opens centers and promotes good air circulation. REBECCA BULL REED