Arisaema sikokianum
Japanese cobra lily
A tuberous perennial, to about 40cm, with dark green, divided leaves. The flowers appear in spring and consist of a large, dark purple spathe, up to 20cm long, with a brilliant white interior housing the club-like spadix.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Purple White | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | |||
Autumn | ||||
Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- 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
- Genus
Arisaema are mostly tuberous perennials usually with palmately lobed leaves, and distinctive tubular, hooded spathes within which the tiny true flowers are clustered at the base of the club-like or filamentous spadix, followed by a spike of red berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Japan
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in a cool site. In colder regions may need winter protection but tubers must not dry out when dormant
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring. Offsets may be removed in late summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to slugs and vine weevil
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Love gardening
Sign up to receive regular gardening tips, inspiration, offers and more
View our Privacy Policy
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.