About
Arum creticum is a tuberous perennial that forms clumps, characterized by its arrow-like, dark green foliage and robust, upright stems. In spring, these stems produce fragrant spathes that range from creamy-white to deep yellow. Following the blooming period, the plant develops spikes adorned with vibrant orange-red berries.
About the genus
Arum consists of perennial plants that develop tubers. They feature simple leaves shaped like arrows and possess small flowers concealed at the base of a yellow or purple, club-like spadix, which is enveloped by a prominent, hood-like spathe. This is followed by the production of red berries.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun, Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Clay, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H5
Plant details
- Plant type
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- 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
- Native to
- Crete to SW Turkey
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- TOXIC if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Plant tubers 10-15cm deep in autumn or spring in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil. Leaves are larger in partial shade, flowering is better in sun. New leaves emerge in autumn. Will be evergreen in warm climates, deciduous in cold climates
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by division
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free