I grow I. japonica 'Aphrodite' outisde in California zone 9b. 'Aphrodite' is a variegated form with really clean, creamy, white color against the grey/green foliage. It grows well in partial shade and increases pretty quickly. I had trouble with snails eating it at my last house, but so far, that hasn't been much of a problem here. I suspect in loamy soils, it can run a little more aggressively than it does in my soil, but I never considered it a problem. The creeping stolons are pretty shallow and pull up easily. I haven't noticed any bloom stalks yet, but it should be blooming soon. The flowers are a very pale, almost white lavender, with gold and dark blue markings. Overall, it seems pretty tough here.
