10 named cultivars
‘Mure Suzume’Mure Suzume Japanese Sacred Lily
‘Twist and Shout’Twist and Shout Japanese Sacred Lily
‘Nobori Ryu’Nobori Ryu Sacred Lily
‘Talbot Manor’Talbot Manor Japanese Sacred Lily
‘Apple Court’Apple Court Japanese Sacred Lily
‘Fuji No Yuki’Fuji No Yuki Japanese Sacred Lily
‘Gunjaku’Gunjaku Japanese Sacred Lily
‘Herbie’Herbie Japanese Sacred Lily
‘Yattazu Yan Jaku’Japanese Sacred Lily Yattazu Yan Jaku
‘Chirimen Boshi’Chirimen Boshi Japanese Sacred Lily
The Story
Plant Bio
Rohdea japonica, commonly known as The Japanese Ruscus, is an evergreen perennial known for its glossy green foliage.
Often used as a ground cover and can tolerate low light conditions.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Japan, China
Toxicity
All parts are highly toxic if ingested
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck rhizomes into well-draining soil in shaded areas.
- Mist regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Transplant in early spring after last frost for best results.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize with balanced fertilizer in spring and summer.
- Prune dead or damaged leaves to maintain plant health.
Pro Tip
Plant in partial shade for optimal foliage color and growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
- Provide filtered sunlight or partial shade
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Fertilize during active growth
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
- Do not expose to direct harsh sunlight
- Avoid neglecting pruning
- Do not transplant during extreme heat
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Nippon Lily questions
What zones can Nippon Lily grow in?
Nippon 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 Nippon Lily deer resistant?
Yes — Nippon Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Nippon Lily bloom?
Nippon Lily typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Nippon Lily need full sun?
Nippon Lily does best in part shade.
Is Nippon Lily drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Nippon Lily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Rohdea to compare
Mure Suzume Japanese Sacred Lily
Rohdea japonica 'Mure Suzume'
Taiwan Sacred Lily
Rohdea chinensis 'Taiwan'
Twist and Shout Japanese Sacred Lily
Rohdea japonica 'Twist and Shout'
Nobori Ryu Sacred Lily
Rohdea japonica 'Nobori Ryu'
Talbot Manor Japanese Sacred Lily
Rohdea japonica 'Talbot Manor'
Apple Court Japanese Sacred Lily
Rohdea japonica 'Apple Court'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Nippon Lily with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.