Overview
Arisaema candidissimum is a herbaceous perennial in the genus Arisaema, part of the Araceae family. Arisaema candidissimum grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates well-drained and humus-rich soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include woodland garden and shaded border. It is native to W China.
About
Arisaema candidissimum, the white-spathed jack in the pulpit, is a herbaceous perennial in the Araceae that flowers in the UK between May and July. Native to western China, it suits sheltered, shaded corners where soil stays moist. Plant in well-drained, humus-rich soil that is neutral to slightly acidic and position it on a north or east-facing aspect. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling, as the plant is harmful if eaten and can irritate skin and eyes.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Arisaema candidissimum
About the genus
Arisaema is a large and diverse genus of the flowering plant family Araceae. The largest concentration of species is in China and Japan, with other species native to other parts of southern Asia as well as eastern and central Africa, Mexico and eastern North America. Asiatic species are often called cobra lilies, while western species are often called jack-in-the-pulpit; both names refer to the distinctive appearance of the flower, which consists of an erect central spadix rising from a spathe.
Wikipedia contributors, "Arisaema", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Arisaema
In the garden
Arisaema candidissimum belongs to the arum family and originates from western China. In British gardens it is valued for its spring–summer flowering (May to July) and for performing best out of direct sun. Give it a sheltered spot on a north or east aspect where it receives partial shade to full shade. Soil is important: choose moist but well-drained ground enriched with humus and aim for a neutral to slightly acidic pH. The species is rated H5 for the UK, which translates to being hardy in most parts of the country provided it is not exposed to drying winds or prolonged baking sun. Keep the site protected and consistently moist rather than waterlogged. Use Arisaema candidissimum in a woodland garden or a shaded border where its seasonal flowers can be seen at close range. Because all parts are harmful if eaten and may irritate skin and eyes, handle plants and spent material with gloves and other protective equipment and consult the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further pet-safety information. Expect its flowering display between May and July and take particular care when handling foliage and spent stems because of their irritant properties.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Arisaema
- Sunlight
- partial shade, shade
- Soil type
- well-drained, humus-rich
- Soil pH
- neutral, slightly acidic
- Soil moisture
- moist
- Aspect
- north, east
- Exposure
- sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
Arisaema candidissimum size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- herbaceous perennial
- Suggested uses
- woodland garden, shaded border
- Native to
- W China
- Toxicity
- Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Arisaema candidissimum
- Cultivation
- Plant tubers in autumn in humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial shade. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Protect from strong winds and harsh sun.
- Pruning
- Remove dead foliage after flowering to tidy the plant.
- Propagation
- By seed sown fresh in autumn or by division of tubers in early spring.
Frequently asked questions
How do I grow Arisaema candidissimum?
Plant tubers in autumn in humus-rich, well-drained soil in partial shade. Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Protect from strong winds and harsh sun.
Where is the best place to plant Arisaema candidissimum?
Arisaema candidissimum prefers partial shade and shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Arisaema candidissimum need?
Arisaema candidissimum grows best in well-drained and humus-rich soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic soil. Aim for soil that stays moist.
How do I prune Arisaema candidissimum?
Remove dead foliage after flowering to tidy the plant.
Is Arisaema candidissimum hardy in the UK?
Arisaema candidissimum has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Arisaema candidissimum?
By seed sown fresh in autumn or by division of tubers in early spring.
Is Arisaema candidissimum toxic?
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.
