Species

Rohdea japonicaNippon Lily

9 other cultivars

perennial

Mure Suzume Japanese Sacred Lily

Rohdea japonica 'Mure Suzume'

The Story

Plant Bio

Rohdea japonica is a perennial evergreen with broad, lance-shaped leaves forming dense clumps. Inconspicuous, pale yellow-green flowers appear in late winter or early spring, followed by attractive red berries.

'Mure Suzume' is a dwarf cultivar distinguished by its compact growth habit and glossy, dark green foliage, making it an excellent low-maintenance ground cover or accent plant in shaded gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides lush, evergreen foliage year-round, enhancing shaded areas with minimal effort.

Resistant to deer and rabbit browsing, making it ideal for low-maintenance gardens.

Supports local bird populations by providing shelter.

SpeciesRohdea japonicaNippon Lily

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

8 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9, 10

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Japan, China, Korea

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 mature rhizomes into well-draining soil in spring
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged
Mist foliage during dry summer months for best growth
Mulch around plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Divide plants every 3-4 years in early spring
Prune dead or damaged leaves in early spring

Pro Tip

Plant in partial shade with rich, well-drained soil for best results

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture
Prune dead leaves in early spring
Divide every few years for vigorous growth

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot ❌
Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
Refrain from heavy fertilizing in late fall
Don’t allow soil to stay soggy

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Pest Check
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade garden borderEvergreen foliage hedgeUnderstory planting in woodland gardens

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Astilbes Heucheras

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Mure Suzume Japanese Sacred Lily questions

What zones can Mure Suzume Japanese Sacred Lily grow in?

Mure Suzume 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 Mure Suzume Japanese Sacred Lily deer resistant?

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

When does Mure Suzume Japanese Sacred Lily bloom?

Mure Suzume 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 Mure Suzume Japanese Sacred Lily need full sun?

Mure Suzume Japanese Sacred Lily does best in part shade.

Is Mure Suzume Japanese Sacred Lily drought tolerant?

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