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 |
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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 |