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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. A dense cone of red berries follows

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple White Green
Summer Green Red
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3
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
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

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