Lysichiton camtschatcensis

Lysichiton camtschatcensis, a very hardy cousin of arum, is a perennial plant found in marshes. It is particularly unique. It is highly decorative in a pond or along a riverbank. It also serves as support for unstable banks. It blooms in early spring, before the foliage emerges, with large pure white spathes that have a subtle musky fragrance. It is best reserved for medium to large ponds with extensive shores.

Lysichiton camtschatcensis belongs to the Araceae family. It originates from the northern region of Asia, with Kamchatka being the eastern tip of Russia. However, its distribution area includes the peripheral regions of Siberia and northern Japan. It is a slow-growing rhizomatous plant, with a rosette habit, reaching a minimum height of 60cm (24in) and a width of 50cm (20in). The flowering occurs in April-May-June as soon as the temperatures remain positive throughout the day. The white spathe surrounding a green spadix measures up to 10 to 12cm (4 to 5in) in length. It is almost odourless, but sometimes emits a slight musky fragrance. The elongated heart-shaped deciduous leaves have a medium to dark green lamina that is veined and very shiny. The rhizome of this aquatic plant is underground and creeping.

This hardy plant is suited for a cool climate. It withstands temperatures of at least -20°C (-4°F) in winter. It normally grows in moist to marshy soil and thrives ideally on the banks of a body of water or a stream. It is impossible to resist these giant arum-like flowers that create a fantastic atmosphere around the water feature that hosts them. Combine it with other bankside plants such as yellow-green spike rushes, Siberian irises with blue flowers, and European globe flowers with golden-yellow flowers. If the pond is very large, try planting it with Gunnera manicata.