About

Arisaema tortuosum is a tuberous perennial that can reach heights of up to 1.5 meters. It typically features two or three long-stemmed leaves, each composed of 5 to 17 slender leaflets measuring 15 to 20 centimeters in length. In late spring or early summer, the plant produces unique flowers that emerge above the foliage. These flowers consist of hooded green spathes, which encase a long, narrow, and curved spadix that may be purple or green. Following the flowering period, as the leaves begin to wither, the fertilized blooms transform into clusters of bright orange berries.

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

H4

Plant details

Plant type

Bulbs

Habit

Columnar upright

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

1-1.5 metres

Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Time to full height

2-5 years

Suggested uses

Cottage and informal garden

Native to

Pakistan, India to S China & Myanmar

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

Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in a cool site. In colder regions may need winter protection but tubers must not dry out when dormant

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