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Cast Iron Plant

Common Name: Cast Iron Plant

Scientific Name: Aspidistra elatior

Type of Plant: Perennial

Description: This plant is as tough as its name! Excellent for those difficult-to-fill areas in deep shade, spreading gently by underground stems. A nearly fuss-free, lush, leafy evergreen that will tolerate a range of growing conditions including heat, aridity and dry shade.

Mature Size: 2′ tall x 2-3′ wide.

Blooms: Inconspicuous; prized for foliage.

Fruit:  No

Climate Requirements: Thrives in organically rich, well-drained soil, sited in bright shade; tolerates deep shade well.

Care Requirements: In containers, use a high quality, organic potting mix. Water deeply, regularly in first growing season to establish root system; once established, reduce frequency. Feed with a general-purpose fertilizer in spring.

Spacing: Space plants 18-36″ apart

Water Needs: Low.  Once established, water occasionally; more in extreme heat or containers.

Maintenance: Low

Special Uses/Attributes:For a gardener with a brown thumb, this sturdy, long lasting plant can be used in areas where all else fails; it is always green, and can handle deep shade under deck stairs or along foundations that receive almost no sunlight.

Florida Native: No

Inventory, Perennials

Bulbine

Common Name: Bulbine

Scientific Name: Bulbine frutescens

Type of Plant: Perennial

Description:This South African native is a perfect perennial for Florida since it tolerates hot temperatures, dry and sandy soils, and blooms throughout the warm months.

Mature Size: 6-12′ tall x 6-12′ wide.

Blooms: Summer-Fall

Fruit:  No

Climate Requirements: Bulbine will grow best if it is planted in a spot that receives full sun, though it can be grown in a site that gets shade for part of the day.  Provide well-drained, compost-enriched soil. 

Care Requirements: Propagation is easy since plants can be divided when the clumps get big enough, and the plants will self-seed.

Spacing: Space plants 12-24″ apart

Water Needs: Water regularly in first growing season to establish root system; once established, reduce frequency.

Maintenance:  Remove spent flowers to encourage fall re-bloom. Remove old, faded foliage as needed.

Attracts: Butterflies

Special Uses/Attributes: Bulbine makes a great ground cover since each plant will grow over time to form a clump that can reach up to four feet wide. This clumping habit also makes bulbine a great passalong plant.  It is generally considered to be deer-resistant.

Florida Native: No

Ground Covers, Inventory, Ornamental Grasses, Perennials