Japanese sacred lily

I am not sure why this herbaceous perennial is not more popular. Japanese sacred lily (Rohdea japonica) would make a great replacement or companion plant for the hostas we see everywhere. In addition to thriving in shade, this 12-24 inch high mound of evergreen straps sports subtle cones of red berries in the coldest months. Deer supposedly pass it over and it can stand drought.

These pictures were taken today in the Culberston Asiatic Arboretum at Sarah P. Duke Gardens. The lacecap hydragena makes a nice contrast behind the sacred lily (left).
I notice this grouping almost every day that I walk to and from work. Today, the rain and fallen leaves seemed to make the dark green foilage beg a little louder for attention.

The closest place to Durham I know for buying Japanese sacred lily is Niche Gardens , just outside Chapel Hill.