• Image of Aspidistra hainanensis 'Quan Ba'
  • Image of Aspidistra hainanensis 'Quan Ba'
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Aspidistra hainanensis 'Quan Ba'

Hainan Cast Iron Plant

This plant is not currently for sale. This is an archive page preserved for informational use.

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Item #: 9924

Zones: 9a to 10b, at least

Dormancy: Evergreen

Height: 26" tall

Culture: Light Shade to Shade

Origin: China, North Vietnam

Pot Size: 3.5" pot (24 fl. oz/0.7 L)


Logo indicating plant is one of Plant Delights' Introductions

Our 2017 introduction of Aspidistra hainanensis 'Quan Ba' came from our 2005 expedition to North Vietnam. We stumbled on this cast iron plant at 3,800' elevation in Ha Giang Province, near the town of Quan Ba, just south of the border with Yunnan, China. In the ground or in containers, Aspidistra 'Quan Ba' forms a 26" tall clump, composed of 3' long x 1.5" wide green leaves that arch toward the tip. We've had this in the ground since 2008 where it barely survived 9 degrees F, although it would prefer warmer climes.

Maintenance:

Aspidistra are very low maintenance perennials. Each leaf can last up to 3 years, but after the second year, it will begin to show signs of aging and leaf degradation. For that reason, we recommend removing all old foliage regularly to retain the attractiveness of the clump. It's always disappointing to see large patches of cast iron plants in public spaces where it hasn't been properly maintained.

Growing Conditions:

Cast iron plants grow well in both moist and dry soils as long as the drainage is good. Aspidistra must be grown in shade, since their foliage will scorch if they are subjected to sun. In the jungles where they grow, they are often seen in very deep shade.

In containers, they make superb house plants. The common name cast iron plant speaks to their durability in less than ideal conditions. Regular moisture, including increased humidity when they are grown as house plants, keeps them from getting stressed and becoming susceptible to spider mites.

Garden Value:

The bold texture and upright form of cast iron plants is invaluable in the garden, since there few other plants with this form and texture. Many have amazing flowers, produced at the base of the foliage, often in the winter months. While these flowers are rarely noticed in the garden, they can be quite attractive in the home.