Arisaema griffithii (Griffiths Cobra Lily)

One of the strangest and most dramatic cobra lilies, Arisaema griffithii (Griffith's Cobra Lily) is a tuberous perennial boasting a large, hooded, green and purple spathe, 8 in. long (20 cm), deeply netted with paler veins. The spathe is curled back on itself, and a long tongue protrudes, giving the flower the look of its namesake. Blooming in late spring to early summer, the bizarre flowers are borne at ground level under the decorative foliage of trifoliate leaves. Griffith's Cobra Lily usually goes dormant by midsummer. A welcome addition to the shade garden, Griffith's Cobra Lily is easy to grow, requires very little care, and lures onlookers to inspect it more closely!

• Grows up to 24 in. tall (60 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
• Easily grown in humus-rich, moist, but well-drained soils in partial shade. Protect in winter or lift for frost-free storage.
• Best left undisturbed in the shady woodland garden, cottage garden, or underplanting roses and shrubs. Plant in groups of a dozen or more.
• Virtually disease free. Keep an eye out for slugs and vine weevils.
• Propagate by seed, sowing them in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring, or remove offsets in late summer.
• Native to the Himalayas of India.
• Ingestion may cause severe discomfort