Arisaema utile

Also Known As

Cobra Lily
Jack in the Pulpit
Showy Cobra Lily
Sikkim Cobra Lily

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber, aroid

size

H: 18"-24"
W: 12"-24"

planting zones

5a-9b

More Options

Arisaema utile plant details

Arisaema utile is a broadleaf deciduous perennial aroid bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In spring and summer black flowers emerge. Grows well with bright shade - mostly shade and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Arisaema utile

Plant type: perennial aroid bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: araceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 12 IN - 24 IN - wide, 18 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: black blooms in spring and summer
Uses: unique, woodland garden

GROWING CONDITIONS for Arisaema utile

USDA Zones: 5a - 9b
Sun exposure: bright shade - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This gorgeous Himalayan species has a dark purple spathe-tube with raised, white veins. The huge, shiny, silky purple spathe-limb looks like large butterfly wings. The trifoliate leaves have red, wavy margins and prominent purplish veins underneath. Hooker, an early explorer in Sikkim, observed this species ''surrounded by a luxuriant vegetation of most beautiful rhododendrons in full flower, willow, white rose, white-flowered cherry, thorn, maples, and birch.'' Sounds like a Vancouver garden!

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

This species is closely allied with Arisaema griffithii and similarities can be seen in the broad tri-lobed leaves and wide lurid purplish brown hooded flower which is nothing less than exotically dramatic. The bulbs are eaten in Sikkim in times of famine.

By: Far Reaches Farm

Garden photo gallery of Arisaema utile

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By: Far Reaches Farm

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Gardening facts about Arisaema utile plant

How to Grow Arisaema utile

Sun Exposure
- bright shade - mostly shade
Water Needs
- even moisture - regular
Soil Needs
- average
- well-drained
- rich
- rocky
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant