Overview

Arisaema heterophyllum is a columnar upright bulbs in the genus Arisaema, part of the Araceae family, with deciduous foliage. Arisaema heterophyllum grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.

About

Arisaema heterophyllum, the dancing crane cobra lily, belongs to the monocotyledonous flowering family Araceae. It is a perennial, rhizomatous herb native to East Asia. It has a spadix inflorescence and can be recognized by its green spathe and comparatively smaller central leaflet. The rhizome is often used in Chinese traditional medicine as a treatment for coughs, epilepsy, and tetanus. Grow it in partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). It works well for cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and north-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant at appropriate depth in well-drained soil.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Arisaema heterophyllum

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 4.0Arisaema

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Arisaema

Sunlight
Partial shade
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained
Aspect
North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H3

Plant details

Arisaema heterophyllum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Bulbs
Habit
Columnar upright
Foliage
Deciduous
Suggested uses
Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Arisaema heterophyllum

Propagation
Seed, Offsets
Pest resistance
Slugs, Vine weevil
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Arisaema heterophyllum?

Arisaema heterophyllum prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.

What soil does Arisaema heterophyllum need?

Arisaema heterophyllum grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.

Is Arisaema heterophyllum hardy in the UK?

Arisaema heterophyllum has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.

How do I propagate Arisaema heterophyllum?

Seed, Offsets.

More in the Arisaema genus

Browse all Arisaema