Drought resistant once established.
Arum italicum ssp. italicum, commonly known as Italian Arum, is a perennial plant belonging to the Araceae family. It is native to parts of Europe, including Italy, where it gets its name. This attractive and distinctive plant has garnered popularity among gardeners and plant enthusiasts for its unique foliage and intriguing flowering structure.
One of the most striking features of Italian Arum is its ornamental leaves. The heart-shaped leaves have glossy green coloration adorned with beautiful silver-white veining, creating a visually appealing contrast.
During the late spring and early summer, Italian Arum produces a curious flowering structure called a spadix. The spadix is a fleshy, upright column that contains tiny, tightly-packed flowers. Surrounding the spadix is a hood-like bract known as the spathe, which varies in color from white to pale green 6-16 in (15-40 cm) long and forms an attractive canopy over the flowers. After blooming, the leaves and spathe die back and the plant develops attractive, bright orange-red berries in summer. New leaves emerge in autumn and remain evergreen in warm winter climates, making them an excellent choice for providing winter interest in the garden. In cold winter climates, the foliage dies back but emerges back in spring.
The plant's ability to thrive in both shaded and partially shaded areas makes it versatile in garden settings. Italian Arum is well-suited for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and even as an underplanting beneath larger trees. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate a variety of soil types.
Italian Arum has proven to be a relatively low-maintenance plant, adding to its appeal for gardeners seeking a resilient and visually pleasing addition to their landscapes. Once established, it requires minimal care and can naturalize in suitable growing conditions.
Arum italicum ssp. italicum, or Italian Arum, is a captivating plant known for its showy foliage and unique flowering structure. Its ability to thrive in shade, coupled with its low-maintenance nature, makes it an excellent choice for enhancing gardens and landscapes, providing interest year-round, and bringing a touch of elegance to any outdoor space.
Botanical Name: Arum italicum ssp. italicum
Common Name: Italian Arum, Italian Lords and Ladies, Cuckoo Pint, Italian Lily
Type: Tuberous Perennial
Flower Color: White/Pale Green Spathes 6-16 in (15-40 cm) long. Orange-Red Berries. White veined foliage to 14 in (35 cm) long.
Flowering Season: April, May
Plant Height: 11 in (30 cm)
Plant Spread:
Light Requirements: Partial Shade, Full Shade
Water Requirements: Average, Moist
Soil Requirements: Well-drained. Average. Grows best in consistently moist, humusy, organically rich soils.
USDA Zones: 4-9
