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Aspidistra retusa 'Little John' (Dwarf Cast Iron Plant) - Perennial with narrow 1-foot-long dark green leaves that rise vertically from a slowly spreading rhizome to eventually form dense clumps. This is a much smaller version of the more common Cast Iron plant. It is similar to 'Ginga Minor' which we grew for many years but has prominent raised longitudinal venation and does not have the spotting on the foliage such as 'Ginga Minor' has. Cream and purple colored flowers in spring are at ground level and are pollinated by snails - while interesting they are rarely seen and not showy.
As with all of the Aspidistra cultivars this plant has the ability to grow in adverse conditions, such as in dark shade areas under eaves or interior courtyards, or in filtered light. For this reason, it has earned its reputation as a nearly indestructible houseplant. Although able to survive these conditions for even extended dry periods, it requires well-drained soil and looks best with regular irrigation and fertilization during spring and summer. Water occasionally to moderately and dust or hose off the leaves to keep them attractive. Hardy in outdoor conditions to short duration temperatures at least down to 15°F and to 0° F with mulching.
This species is native to Taiwan and islands in southern Japan where it grows as a forest understory plant. The name for the genus comes from the Greek word 'aspidion' meaning "a shield" in reference to the typical broad lanceolate leaves of the species that are shield shaped. We received this plant in 2019 from John Greenlee who received the plant from Plant Delights Nurseryand gave it the temporary moniker Aspidistra 'Little John' to indicate its stature and to honor our source. In correspondence with Tony Avent and Zac Hill at Plant Delights Nursery we believe we have traced this plant back to be the plant they named Aspidistra retusa 'Nanjing Green' in 2008 and we now have a plant of this variety to compare. If we determine these the same plants we will change the name we that we list this fine plant as.
The information displayed on this page about Aspidistra 'Little John' is based on our research conducted about this plant from books in our nursery library as well as from information that is provided by reliable online resources. We also have included our own observations made about it as it grew in the nursery gardens and other gardens visited, as well how the crops of this plant performed in the containers when we had them in our nursery field. We also include comments received from others and welcome hearing from anyone who has information about this plant, particularly if it includes cultural information aiding others to better grow it.
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