Aspidistra lurida Ginga

Aspidistra elatior

Aspidistra lurida 'Ginga' is an unusual compact, spotted-leaf cultivar of Aspidistra (ht 45 cm). Aspidistra - often called the cast-iron plant because it survives almost any conditions - was often grown as a houseplant, as it could survive infrequent watering in dark rooms. However, in our mild Sydney climate, we can grow it as a very effective foliage plant outdoors in a dry, part, dappled or heavy shade or in pots. In sunny spots, the leaves become horribly bleached.

It is a rhizomatous perennial from southern Japan with long, wide leaves, Over time, it will grow into a clump. The star-shaped flowers are produced at the base of the plant and are often not noticed. The plant is regarded as frost hardy to about -10 degrees Celsius. The main species is Aspidistra elatior and previously this cultivar was called Aspidistra elatior 'Milky Way' but has been reclassified into this separate species with a different cultivar name. The creamy-coloured speckles on the foliage can make a good colour echo to pale yellow flowers that grow in shade such as varieties of Clivia and Abutilon.

As with Aspidistra elatior, there seem to be no pest or disease problems. The only maintenance required is to remove very old, shabby leaves, and throw it some fertiliser in late winter. Propagation is by division of the clumps. Opinions have varied as to whether this plant belongs to the Convallariaceae or Liliaceae family; current thinking places it in the family Asparagaceae.

Aspidistra leaves are excellent for use in cut-flower arrangements.