Arisarum vulgare subsp. vulgare
A tuberous perennial to 15cm tall with arrow-shaped, grey-green leaves sometimes mottled greyish-purple. From winter to early spring, small, hooded white-green spathes are produced that are up to 5cm long, striped with brown or purple and enclosing blackish-brown spadices
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–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Purple White Green | Green Grey Silver | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter | Brown Purple Green White |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- 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
- Mediterranean
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil that is dry in summer; will tolerate short spells of temperatures down to -5°C if well mulched, otherwise grow in an alpine house
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
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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