Sauromatum giganteum

Sauromatum giganteum (syn. Typhonium giganteum) is a weird, otherworldly looking aroid with large, 1 foot long, arrow-shaped leaves emerging in summer followed by jack-in-the-pulpit-like burgundy spathes with burgundy-black spadices that look like sinister pitchers. For about a day the flowers release a "fragrance" designed to attract pollinating flies. Known as the giant voodoo lily, it is a truly amazing specimen for garden or container. Photo: Wikipedia.

Sauromatum giganteum was once known as a Typhonium but is now placed in the Sauromatum family with a few others once Typhoniums. This plant has a leaf very similar to a Xanthosoma with a deep sinus and very triangular shape. The flowers are dark red and usually 6 to 9 inches tall. It has been hardy for me for 8 years in zone6 Kentucky. I have found it slow to propagate until the last few years were it has started to produce side tubers. My plant come up late each season grows to about 2 or 3 feet tall and goes dormant by late summer. A great hardy tropical to grow and a hard to find aroid. FACTS Foliage: Large triangular shaped foliage Flower: dark red slightly hooded Height: 2 to 4 feet well drained soil. Situation: part shade Zone: 6 and up Species/Hybridizer Species