Species

Rohdea japonicaNippon Lily

9 other cultivars

perennial

Herbie Japanese Sacred Lily

Rohdea japonica 'Herbie'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rohdea japonica, commonly known as Japanese Sacred Lily, is a perennial evergreen with broad, leathery, strap-like leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers followed by bright red berries, forming a dense, low-growing clump.

The cultivar Herbie is distinguished by its compact growth habit and enhanced variegation, featuring creamy-yellow margins on its foliage, making it particularly attractive for shaded garden areas.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides evergreen foliage and shade in gardens.

Low-maintenance groundcover that suppresses weeds.

Supports beneficial insects with minimal intervention.

SpeciesRohdea japonicaNippon Lily

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

10 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Long-lived perennial

Native To

Japan, China (species)

Toxicity

All parts are poisonous if ingested.

Bloom period

Early spring – Late fall

In flower about 9 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck rhizomes into well-draining soil in partial shade.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy.
Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.
Protect from harsh winter winds in colder zones.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains moist and well-drained for healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly during dry periods 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Divide every few years for vigorous growth
Plant in partial to full shade

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Do not expose to full sun which can scorch leaves
Refrain from using heavy, clay soils without amendments

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shady borderEvergreen groundcover

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Astilbes Heucheras

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Herbie Japanese Sacred Lily questions

What zones can Herbie Japanese Sacred Lily grow in?

Herbie Japanese Sacred Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Herbie Japanese Sacred Lily deer resistant?

Yes — Herbie Japanese Sacred Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Herbie Japanese Sacred Lily bloom?

Herbie Japanese Sacred Lily typically blooms in early spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Herbie Japanese Sacred Lily need full sun?

Herbie Japanese Sacred Lily does best in part shade.

Is Herbie Japanese Sacred Lily drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Herbie Japanese Sacred Lily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.