Arisaema thunbergii urashima

This is one of my favourite arisaemas in spite, or perhaps because, of the sombre colours of the spathe. The spadix can grow to a length of 450mm sweeping upwards from the spathe hood before arching downwards sometimes reaching the ground.

The single leaf has two arms holding a total of up to 15 leaflets and reaches a height of around 450mm when mature. The specimens I grow also have a silver centre to the leaflets - a common trait in the arisaemas.

Cultivation

Drainage is the key to success with the arisaemas as it is winter wet, rather than the cold, that can lead to their demise. As this species is an early riser it can be advantageous to plant it in a cold spot in the garden which can keep it below ground until the danger of foliage-damaging frosts has diminished.

The plant produces offsets readily so will give you the opportunity to try it out in different micro-climates around your garden.