About

This robust tuberous perennial reaches heights of up to 80 cm and features stolons along with a single leaf comprised of 7 to 13 leaflets. In early summer, it produces a spathe that is green to purple with pink flushes and white stripes, supported by a stem marked with red streaks.

About the genus

Arisaema consists primarily of tuberous perennials characterized by palmately lobed foliage. They feature unique tubular, hooded spathes that enclose small true flowers clustered at the base of a club-shaped or filamentous spadix. After flowering, these plants produce a spike bearing red berries.

Growing conditions

Sunlight
Partial shade
Soil type
Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H4

Plant details

Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.5-1 metres
Spread
0.5-1 metres
Time to full height
2-5 years
Suggested uses
Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
Native to
E Himalaya
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

Cultivation
Plant the tubers 20cm deep in winter or spring, into moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in a cool, partially shaded site. Mulch in winter
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame in spring or autumn, or by removing offsets in late summer
Pest resistance
May be susceptible to slugs and vine weevil
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free