- Arum
The Plant of the Month for MARCH is Arum Italicum.
The leaves are excellent when arranged with Daffodils or Tulips in Spring. The leaves die back in Summer.
Common Name: Lords and ladies
Genus: Arum
Species: italicum
Cultivar: subsp. italicum ‘Marmoratum’
Skill Level: Experienced
Exposure: Partial shade, Shade
Hardiness: Hardy
Soil type: Clay/heavy
Height: 30cm
Spread: 20cm
Time to divide plants: May to June
Also known as ‘Pictum’, this is an attractive plant with large, arrow-shaped, glossy green leaves that are heavily marbled with cream and, in time, make a dense carpet that covers the ground from late autumn till mid spring. In spring the pale green spathes grow well above the leaves, followed in autumn by a display of vivid red berries. The plants grow particularly well in moist shade under trees and shrubs. Within a few years they build up to form large clumps, and, once mature plants start flowering and fruiting, self sown seedlings may appear. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).