Arisaema sikokianum (Japanese Cobra Lily)

One of the earliest cobra lilies, Arisaema sikokianum (Japanese Cobra Lily) is a tuberous perennial boasting in early spring a large, purple-black spathe, up to 8 in. long (20 cm), surrounding an elegant white club-like spadix protruding from the mouth.

One of the earliest cobra lilies, Arisaema sikokianum (Japanese Cobra Lily) is a tuberous perennial boasting in early spring a large, purple-black spathe, up to 8 in. long (20 cm), surrounding an elegant white club-like spadix protruding from the mouth. The dramatic flowers are perched above the foliage of bright green, divided leaves, sometimes beautifully splashed with silver. The blossoms are followed by a dense cone of striking red berries in mid to late summer. A welcome addition to the shade garden, Japanese Cobra Lily is easy to grow and requires very little care. Roots contain calcium oxalate and are poisonous.

  • Grows up to 12-20 in. tall (30-50 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 cm).
  • Easily grown in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soils in partial shade. Tubers must not dry out when dormant, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
  • 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 weevil.
  • Propagate by seed, sowing them in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring, or remove offsets in late summer.
  • Native to Japan.
  • Ingestion may cause severe discomfort

Requirements

Hardiness 4
– 9

Heat Zones 3
– 9

Climate Zones 3, 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6, 14, 15, 16, 17
Plant Type Bulbs, Perennials
Plant Family Arisaema – Jack in the Pulpit
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)Fall
Height 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Attracts Birds
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow