Nippon lily Plant Care

Nippon lily (Rohdea japonica) belongs to the Asparagaceae family within the Rohdea genus. Nippon lily is native to Japan, China and Korea. Nippon lily is also known as Japanese sacred lily, Ewige Lilie.

Nippon lily displays a low rosette, clumping growth habit, reaching up to 1.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1.5 ft. Nippon lily produces small inconspicuous greenish-white flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 12 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Nippon lily every 10–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Nippon lily thrives in low to medium light. The optimal light range is 50–250 lux. Avoid placing Nippon lily in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Rohdea japonica tolerates temperatures of 60–75°F. Nippon lily prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.

Well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Nippon lily to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Nippon lily every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with low to medium light and well-draining, rich loamy soil with added organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Nippon lily is suited to USDA Zone 13a – 10b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Nippon lily can spread to about 2 ft (0.5 m) and reach about 2 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.5 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Nippon lily while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Nippon lily is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Nippon lily can be propagated through division of rhizomes, seeds.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Nippon lily is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Nippon lily grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a – 10b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Nippon lily is native to Japan, China and Korea. In cooler regions, grow Nippon lily as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.