Sauromatum venosum
voodoo lily
A tender, tuberous perennial to 45cm tall. In early summer it produces an inflorescence composed of a green spathe, heavily mottled with purple, and a foul-smelling maroon spadix. After flowering a single, large, deeply lobed leaf is produced on a purple-mottled stem
Other common names
monarch of the Eastred calla
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Neutral, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- 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
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Himalaya to Java
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant the tubers 15cm deep in late winter. Under glass, grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright, indirect light. In growth, water moderately; keep completely dry in winter. Outdoors, grow in well-drained, fertile, humus-rich, neutral to slightly acid soil in partial shade. Lift and store the tubers in dry, frost-free conditions over winter
Propagation
Propagate by removing offsets while dormant in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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