Alphabetical Plant Listing

Arisarum proboscideum (Mouse Plant)

Mouse Plant, Mousetail Plant


Grown mainly for its curious flowers, Arisarum proboscideum (Mouse Plant) is a rhizomatous perennial forming attractive mats of arrow-shaped, glossy, green leaves up to 6 in. long (15cm). In spring, unusual purple-brown and white flowers appear on short stems, but they are usually hidden from view by the foliage. Minute flowers (spadix) are concealed in a hooded dark purplish brown spathe that is drawn out into a tail up to 6 in. long (15 cm), creating a mouse-like effect. The flowers are long-lasting in indoor arrangements. Native to shady woodlands in Spain and Italy, Mouse Plant will produce offsets freely and spread to form colonies over time. A terrific groundcover for shady areas, this woodland perennial goes dormant after flowering but makes a good companion plant for spring flowering bulbs.

  • Grows up to 3-6 in. tall (7-15 cm) and 3-18 in. wide (7-45 cm).
  • Performs best in part shade to full shade in consistently moist, humus-rich, well-drained soils. This plant performs poorly in heavy clay soils.
  • Mouse Plant is a fine choice for beds and borders, underplanting shrubs, as an edging plant, or as a ground cover. Perfect for city gardens, cottage gardens, rock gardens, and woodland gardens.
  • No serious pest or disease issues.
  • Plant tubers 3-4 in. deep (7-10 cm).
  • Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring, or by division in autumn or winter.
  • Toxic by ingestion, sap may irritate skin and eyes. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
  • Native to Italy, Spain.

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Requirements

Hardiness 7 – 9
Heat Zones 7 – 9
Plant Type Perennials
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid)
Height 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm)
Spread 3" – 2' (7cm – 60cm)
Spacing 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm)
Depth 3" – 4" (7cm – 10cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage

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Leonora (Ellie) Enking, Flickr

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 7 – 9
Heat Zones 7 – 9
Plant Type Perennials
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid)
Height 3" – 6" (7cm – 15cm)
Spread 3" – 2' (7cm – 60cm)
Spacing 12" – 18" (30cm – 45cm)
Depth 3" – 4" (7cm – 10cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers
Garden Uses Beds and Borders, Edging, Ground Covers, Underplanting Roses and Shrubs
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Gravel and Rock Garden, Informal and Cottage

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