About
Arisaema griffithii is a tuberous perennial that reaches a height of up to 60 cm. It features two substantial leaves, each divided into three diamond-shaped leaflets. In early summer, this plant produces a spathe measuring between 10 to 25 cm in length, positioned just above the soil. The spathe may be purple or green and is characterized by prominent veining and a hooded appearance reminiscent of a cobra.
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
- H2
Plant details
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Architectural, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants
- Native to
- S Asia
- 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. Requires winter protection. Can also be grown in deep pots in a cold greenhouse
- 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