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. 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