Rohdea japonica, commonly known as Japanese sacred lily or Nippon lily, is a perennial evergreen plant native to East Asia. Two notable cultivars, ‘Chirimen’ and ‘Miyako-no-Hana’, are prized for their ornamental foliage and adaptability. While they share many characteristics, they exhibit distinct differences in morphology, growth habits, and aesthetic appeal.
Leaf Structure: ‘Chirimen’ is distinguished by its deeply corrugated, wrinkled leaves, which resemble crepe fabric (hence the name "Chirimen," meaning crepe in Japanese). In contrast, ‘Miyako-no-Hana’ has smoother, broader leaves with a more uniform surface texture.
Leaf Color: Both cultivars display variegation, but ‘Chirimen’ typically features a mix of dark green and lighter yellow or cream streaks, while ‘Miyako-no-Hana’ often exhibits a more pronounced white or pale yellow margin with a central green band.
Plant Size: ‘Chirimen’ tends to be more compact, with a mature height of 20–30 cm, whereas ‘Miyako-no-Hana’ can grow slightly taller, reaching 30–40 cm under optimal conditions.
Growth Rate: ‘Miyako-no-Hana’ generally grows faster than ‘Chirimen’, which has a slower, more restrained growth pattern. This makes ‘Chirimen’ better suited for small gardens or containers.
Cold Tolerance: Both cultivars are hardy in USDA zones 6–10, but ‘Miyako-no-Hana’ shows marginally better resilience to colder temperatures due to its thicker foliage. ‘Chirimen’ may require additional protection in harsh winters.
Light Requirements: ‘Chirimen’ thrives in partial to full shade, as its delicate leaves can scorch in direct sunlight. ‘Miyako-no-Hana’ tolerates slightly brighter conditions but still prefers shaded or dappled light.
Texture and Visual Appeal: The crinkled leaves of ‘Chirimen’ add a unique tactile and visual texture to shade gardens, making it a favorite for Japanese-style landscapes. ‘Miyako-no-Hana’, with its smoother leaves and bold variegation, offers a more striking contrast in mixed plantings.
Flowering: Both cultivars produce small, inconspicuous flowers in late summer, but ‘Miyako-no-Hana’ may have slightly more prominent flower spikes. The primary ornamental value of both lies in their foliage.
Soil Preferences: ‘Chirimen’ prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil with consistent moisture, while ‘Miyako-no-Hana’ adapts to a wider range of soil types, including slightly clayey substrates.
Pest and Disease Resistance: Both are relatively pest-resistant, but ‘Miyako-no-Hana’ is less susceptible to leaf spot diseases due to its smoother leaf surface. ‘Chirimen’ may require more attention to avoid fungal issues in humid climates.
Division: Both cultivars can be propagated by division in early spring. ‘Miyako-no-Hana’ divides more readily due to its vigorous growth habit, while ‘Chirimen’ requires careful handling to avoid damaging its delicate roots.
Seed Propagation: Seeds are rarely used for these cultivars, as they do not reliably retain the variegation or leaf characteristics of the parent plants.
