Sacred lily (omoto) Rohdea japonica
Sacred lily (omoto) (Rohdea japonica) is an evergreen perennial groundcover in the Asparagaceae family, native to Japan, Korea and southern China. It grows 30–50 cm (12–20 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about -18 °C (0 °F). Space plants about 35 cm (14 in) apart.
Plan Sacred lily (omoto) in your garden →
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Sacred lily (omoto) at a glance
| Type | Perennial groundcover, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Mature height | 30–50 cm (12–20 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 35 cm (14 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 0 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -18 °C (0 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 33 °C (91 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Japan, Korea and southern China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇨🇳 China, 🇰🇷 South Korea, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
Is Sacred lily (omoto) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: all parts, berries
Contains cardiac glycosides (rhodexins): can upset the heart rhythm as well as the stomach. Keep away from children and pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Sacred lily (omoto)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and moderate water.
Questions about Sacred lily (omoto)
- How far apart should I plant Sacred lily (omoto)?
- About 35 cm (14 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Sacred lily (omoto) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 0 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Sacred lily (omoto) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Sacred lily (omoto)?
- It tolerates about -18 °C (0 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does Sacred lily (omoto) flower?
- From about May for 3–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Sacred lily (omoto) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Contains cardiac glycosides (rhodexins): can upset the heart rhythm as well as the stomach. Keep away from children and pets.
- What grows well with Sacred lily (omoto)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Sacred lily (omoto). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, NC State Extension
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Flora of China (eFloras), Missouri Botanical Garden & Harvard University Herbaria
Notes and assumptions
- Thick, arching evergreen leaves with a clump of red berries in winter; a lucky plant at house-moving in Japan, where collectors have prized hundreds of named forms since the Edo period.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Grape hyacinth Muscari armeniacum
- Common bluebell Hyacinthoides non-scripta
- Tuberose Agave amica (Polianthes tuberosa)
- Century plant (agave) Agave americana