Arisaema are very distinctive and quite different being completely unrelated to the usual South African bulbs we usually grow in the nursery. Most Arisaema are tuberous perennials found in woodland environments in Asia and North America.
We believe Arisaema are worthy of growing for their foliage alone. Many of the most Garden worthy varieties have large exotic looking palm-like leaves which look most at home as an underplanting in exotic looking planting scheme. Where they will benefit from the shade of larger plants and shrubs. Arisaema’s grow best in moist well drained soil in part shade to full sun. Very strong direct sunlight is not fatal to the plant per se, but can scorch the edges of the lush glossy leaves, which can look unsightly. Arisaema flowers boast the famous hooded spathe with the small inner spadix, the common name quite aptly known as jack-in-the-pulpit or more dramatically ‘Cobra lilies’. These can vary quite widely in size and appearance from the diminutive green/yellow flowers of Arisaema flavum to the large and beautiful pink candy stripe flowers of A. candissimum or the moody purple/brown flowers of A. fargesii. When the flowers fade in late summer or early autumn most Arisaema produce gorgeous orange/red seed pods which look striking against fallen leaves in autumn.
Most Herbaceous species are Hardy to around -10c. As well as beds and borders Arisaema can be grown in containers but may need winter protection in cold areas. In pots we recommend a mix of 2 parts multipurpose compost and 1 part pine bark. They are herbaceous perennials and will die back to the tuber in autumn. Plant tubers approximately 4 inches deep and at least 12 inches apart. Avoid planting in poorly drained soils, a deep mulch of bark or leaf mould is advised in cold areas. Feed every 3 weeks with liquid seaweed from March-September for stronger plants. it is also possible to propagate your own Arisaema a common method is growing from seed, though it will likely take around 3 years to produce a flowering sized tuber. It is sometimes quicker and easier to dig up Tubers in late winter or early spring and remove the offsets (juvenile tubers which form around the edge of the parent tuber) these can be grown on further to flowering.