About

Arisaema flavum is a tuberous perennial that reaches a height of approximately 40 cm. In early summer, it produces both leaves and flowers. The foliage is dark green and divided into lobes. The flowers feature a yellow hooded spathe, marked with a dark purple blotch on the interior, which encircles a bright yellow spadix. This plant blooms from June to July.

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

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained

Aspect

East-facing, North-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H6

Plant details

Plant type

Herbaceous Perennial

Habit

Columnar upright

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Time to full height

5-10 years

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens

Native to

NE Tropical Africa to S 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

Cultivation

Plant the tubers 20cm deep in winter or spring, into moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in a cool, partially shaded site. In colder regions it may need winter protection, mulch with well-rotted leaf mould for insulation. Tubers must not dry out while dormant but avoid excessive winter wet.

Pruning

No pruning required

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Offsets may be removed in late summer

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to slugs and vine weevil

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free