About
Solitary, small greenish spathes, surrounding a cream-coloured spadix with a long protruding 'tail', are produced sporadically from spring to late summer in cultivation; flowers are strongly perfumed and followed by small oval-shaped green berries. A compact tuberous perennial to around 20cm high, with long, heart-shaped dark green leaves, with paler silvery green markings on the veins and a purple flush on the undersides. In ideal conditions leaves can be up to 25cm long.
About the genus
A genus of around 17 plants more commonly known as 'Green Dragons' due to their green, hooded spathe and long spadix. The green foliage varies in shape
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand, Clay
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH6
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants, Rock garden
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationThrives in light shade in a well-drained, humus rich soil that doesn't dry out too much in summer
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by bulbils, which form at the base of the leaves; these are easily detached when ripe (usually as the leaves begin to wither) and must be sown straight away so they don't dry out. Alternatively, allow the bulbils to drop and transplant the young plants the following year
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free