Overview

Sauromatum venosum is a perennial in the genus Sauromatum, part of the Araceae family. Sauromatum venosum grows best in partial shade and shade, and tolerates well-drained and humus-rich soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ornamental and container planting. It is native to Himalaya to Java.

About

Sauromatum venosum is a perennial arum notable for its intensely fetid floral scent. Native from the Himalaya to Java, it produces its flowers in the UK from June to August. It prefers partial shade or shade in humus-rich, well-drained soil that remains moist and is neutral to slightly acidic. All parts are harmful if eaten and can irritate skin and eyes, so wear gloves when handling.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Sauromatum venosum

About the genus

Sauromatum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Araceae. The genus is native to tropical Africa, tropical Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula.

In the garden

Sauromatum venosum is an arum native to the Himalaya through to Java and is grown principally as an ornamental for its unusual blooms. In the UK it flowers from June–August and is chiefly known for an unpleasant, fetid scent emitted by the flowers; that odour is the plant’s most notable feature and determines much of how it should be sited. Give Sauromatum venosum partial shade or full shade and a humus-rich, well-drained soil that remains moist and sits at neutral to slightly acidic pH. It is rated H5 (hardy) for the UK, which means it will survive typical winters across many areas when planted in a sheltered spot. Container planting is a sensible option where you want tighter control over position and soil; containers also allow moving plants away from seating areas when in flower. Use it as a specimen in a shaded border or in a large container placed away from doors and windows because of the strong fetid scent during flowering. All parts are harmful if eaten and can irritate skin and eyes, so handle with gloves and other protective equipment; for concerns about pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Sauromatum

Sunlight

partial shade, shade

Soil type

well-drained, humus-rich

Soil pH

neutral, slightly acidic

Soil moisture

moist

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Sauromatum venosum size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Suggested uses

ornamental, container planting

Native to

Himalaya to Java

Fragrance

unpleasant, fetid

Toxicity

Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant - for further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Sauromatum venosum

Cultivation

Plant tubers in spring after the last frost. Prefers humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in partial shade. Keep soil moist during growing season. Protect tubers from frost in colder areas.

Pruning

Remove dead foliage after flowering to tidy the plant.

Propagation

By tuber division in spring or seed.

Frequently asked questions