About
Arisarum proboscideum is a rhizomatous perennial that forms dense clusters of arrow-shaped, glossy green foliage, reaching lengths of up to 15 cm. In spring, it produces flowers characterized by a dark purple-brown spathe that tapers into a long, slender projection resembling a mouse's tail, with a white base.
About the genus
Arisarum consists of compact perennial plants that grow from tubers or rhizomes. They form dense clusters of elongated, heart- or arrow-shaped foliage and bear small flowers enclosed in distinctive hooded spathes.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Spread
- 0.1-0.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 2-5 years
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden, City and courtyard gardens
- Native to
- SW Spain, C & S Italy
- 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
- Needs woodland conditions - a moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, or by division in autumn or winter
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free