About

Arum italicum subsp. italicum 'Marmoratum' is a tuberous perennial that grows up to 35 cm in height. It features substantial, arrow-shaped leaves that are a deep, glossy green, accented with cream-colored veins, and these foliage emerge in the autumn. The plant produces large spathes that are greenish-yellow, with a yellow spadix at the center, which are then succeeded by prominent spikes adorned with 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
Chalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
East-facing, South-facing, North-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness
H6

Plant details

Plant type
Bulbs
Habit
Columnar upright
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
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
Grow in moist but well-drained humus-rich soil and plant 10 to 15cm deep. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
Pruning
No pruning required
Propagation
Division of clumps of tubers should take place after flowering. Alternatively, propagate by seed sown in autumn having removed the fleshy pulp
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free