Arisarum proboscideum
mouse plant
A rhizomatous perennial producing mats of arrow-shaped, glossy, green leaves up to 15cm long. The flowers appear in spring; a dark purple-brown spathe with a long narrow tip, like a mouse's tail, and a white base
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Purple White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- 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
Arisarum are small perennials that develop from tubers or rhizomes. They produce dense clumps of long-stalked, heart- or arrow-shaped leaves and clustered, tiny flowers wrapped in curious hooded spathes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- SW Spain, C & S Italy
How to grow
Cultivation
Needs woodland conditions - a moist, humus-rich soil in partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, or by division in autumn or winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cut flowers
- Garden edging
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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