They are most likely cast iron plants (aspidistra). They need shade as you learned. They even tolerate deep shade where nothing else will grow. I believe they will be evergreen for you.

No, they don't flower ... and they can look unsightly if you don't keep the brown edges trimmed.

Maybe they're hostas. If so, they do put out a little bloom once, but the main attraction is the foliage. There are many varieties, varigated ones are pretty. I have them under an oak and they do well. I was warned about slugs but so far they haven't been a problem. Definitely shade plants.

Hello Mrs. Emily,

I lived in Louisiana for ten years. What you are describing is the Cast Iron Plant, Aspidistra. I've seen that it grows well around the base of tall pine trees and in containers, too, and have seen it growing in beds against the house on the north side. I have a son who lives in Spring, Texas, near Houston, and they have it in their yard. I got some starts from their plants and brought them home with me.

I now live in Oklahoma. Living in zone 6, I must grow Aspidistra in a large pot so I can bring it into the greenhouse in the Fall. I set it out under my large Mimosa tree in the summer, where it gets filtered sunlight and it thrives. The leaves are dark green, almost black green, and do look like they might be made of cast iron. Mine have no brown edges. Don't know why, but they don't. I do not pamper them at all. I water them nearly every day in that pot.

Here is a link so you can look at photos others have posted and see if that is the plant in question that you have:
http://hortiplex.gardenweb.com/plants/jour/p/52/gw1003552/page.html

I loved living in Louisiana. What a fun place to live. What wonderful people and some much culture to enjoy. Beautiful country and wonderful climate. It will always be home to me.

Hope you enjoy it there too.
Best Wishes,
~Annie

Aspidistra leaves will last for months in a vase. Just thought I'd add that.

Mine thrived the first year I had them planted, but last year a lot of the leaves turned a bit yellow, and came loose at the base of the stem. Has anyone else had that problem?