Arum dioscoridis

Also Known As

Arum dioscoridis var smithii

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber, aroid

size

H: 8"-12"
W: 6"-12"

planting zones

5a-9b

More Options

Arum dioscoridis plant details

Arum dioscoridis is a broadleaf deciduous perennial aroid bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring green and purple flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - bright shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer, dry when dormant. Does well in average, gritty, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Arum dioscoridis

Plant type: perennial aroid bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: araceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 IN - 12 IN - wide, 8 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: green and purple blooms in spring
Uses: fragrant, unique

GROWING CONDITIONS for Arum dioscoridis

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Somewhat similar to the Arum listed below, but produces a dramatic black mottled spathe in the Spring. Sort of a scary looking flower with a rather unpleasant scent. But well worth growing. I haven't had a chance to grow it outside yet, I'm assuming that its only slightly less hardy than A. italicum.

By: Sunshine Farm and Gardens

Dioscoridis is probably my favorite arum, flower color is variable usually greenish or purplish with darker purple blotches and can be spectacular, see the photo in the AGS encyclopedia and be careful not to drool on it if you were too cheap to buy it and borrowed a friends copy.