Species
Rohdea japonicaNippon Lily9 other cultivars
‘Mure Suzume’Mure Suzume Japanese Sacred Lily
‘Twist and Shout’Twist and Shout Japanese Sacred Lily
‘Talbot Manor’Talbot Manor Japanese Sacred Lily
‘Apple Court’Apple Court Japanese Sacred Lily
‘Gunjaku’Gunjaku Japanese Sacred Lily
‘Fuji No Yuki’Fuji No Yuki 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 'Nobori Ryu' is a perennial evergreen plant with upright, sword-shaped leaves and small, clustered flowers that are typically white or greenish, forming dense clumps.
This cultivar is distinguished by its unique, contorted, upright leaves that resemble a climbing dragon ('Nobori Ryu'), adding significant texture and architectural interest to shade gardens.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Groundcover
Height
24 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
East Asia
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested.
Bloom period
Late spring – Late fall
In flower about 7 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck rhizomes into soil 2 inches deep in early spring
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy
- Mist leaves during dry periods for best appearance
- Apply balanced fertilizer in spring for healthy growth
- Mulch around base to retain moisture in summer
- Divide clumps every 3–4 years to maintain vigor
Pro Tip
Ensure well-draining soil and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
- Divide clumps every few years to rejuvenate
Don't
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t expose to direct, hot afternoon sun
- Never let soil dry out completely
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Nobori Ryu Sacred Lily questions
What zones can Nobori Ryu Sacred Lily grow in?
Nobori Ryu 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 Nobori Ryu Sacred Lily deer resistant?
Yes — Nobori Ryu Sacred Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Nobori Ryu Sacred Lily bloom?
Nobori Ryu Sacred Lily typically blooms in late spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Nobori Ryu Sacred Lily need full sun?
Nobori Ryu Sacred Lily does best in part shade.
Is Nobori Ryu Sacred Lily drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Nobori Ryu Sacred 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'
Nippon Lily
Rohdea japonica
Taiwan Sacred Lily
Rohdea chinensis 'Taiwan'
Twist and Shout Japanese Sacred Lily
Rohdea japonica 'Twist and Shout'
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 Nobori Ryu Sacred 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.