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Arisaema ciliatum

A tuberous perennial to 90cm tall, bearing a single leaf composed of 8-20 leaflets, each of which elongate to a long, thin tail. In summer it produces a purple, green, or dark purple spathe with numerous white stripes and a long (20cm) purple tail. A spike of densely packed red berries follows in autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
1–2 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Purple White Green Green
Autumn Red
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical 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
SC China

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant the tubers 20cm deep in winter or spring, into moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in a cool, partially shaded site. Mulch in winter. Can also be grown in deep pots in a cold greenhouse

Propagation

Propagate by sowing seed in containers in a cold frame in spring or autumn, or by removing offsets in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and vine weevil

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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