Species

10 other cultivars

perennial

Galle Japanese Sacred Lily

The Story

Plant Bio

Rohdea japonica, known as Japanese Sacred Lily, is a perennial evergreen with broad, strap-like leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers that produce bright red berries, forming a dense, upright clump.

The 'Galle' cultivar is distinguished by its robust growth habit and particularly vibrant, glossy foliage, making it an attractive ground cover and shade plant in garden settings.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds evergreen foliage with a lush, tropical look to shaded areas, providing year-round visual interest.

Tolerant of poor soil and low light, making it ideal for difficult shady spots.

Provides habitat for beneficial insects and attracts birds with its berries.

SpeciesRohdea japonicaNippon Lily

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

Bloom period

Late spring – Late fall

In flower about 7 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck rhizomes into well-draining soil in spring.
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy.
Mist foliage during dry spells for lush growth.
Mulch lightly to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring.
Place in partial shade for best foliage color.

Pro Tip

Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and maintain healthy growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently during dry periods 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Divide in early spring for rejuvenation
Place in partial shade to avoid leaf scorch

Don't

Avoid overwatering which can cause root rot ❌
Don’t expose to full sun, which can scorch leaves
Refrain from fertilizing excessively to prevent weak growth
Do not ignore drainage issues

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shade garden borderMoisture-rich shady bed

Companion Plants

HostaFerns AstilbeJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Galle Japanese Sacred Lily questions

What zones can Galle Japanese Sacred Lily grow in?

Galle Japanese Sacred Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Galle Japanese Sacred Lily deer resistant?

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

When does Galle Japanese Sacred Lily bloom?

Galle Japanese 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 Galle Japanese Sacred Lily need full sun?

Galle Japanese Sacred Lily does best in part shade.