Arisaema ciliatum

The Arisaema ciliatum is a lovely graceful species, probably the easiest to cultivate, forming in early summer, upright flowers striped black and white, carried on stiff stems at a height of 60cm (24in).

In bloom in early summer, the Arisaema ciliatum reaches 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) in height, its spathe (the name given to the flowers in this family) is black striped with white. Decorative, its leaves are whorled: they are composed of 9 to 12 light green leaflets, carried at the end of the stem and joined on the same axis, giving the impression of a "miniature palm tree".

Its corms (bulbs) are milky white to brown and very round, they form underground stolons and spread in the soil. Expect 2-3 years to obtain a beautiful shrub of 10 to 15 flowers.

The Cobra lily is a type of plant that belongs to the same family as Arums. It is often referred to as the "Cobra lily" due to its upright spathe that resembles a cobra. Despite its unique appearance, it is not commonly used in gardens. There are currently over 150 species of Cobra lily, most of which are native to Asia. Over half of these species can be easily grown in temperate zones like ours. These plants prefer wooded areas with cool, humus-rich soil, but they do not like waterlogged soil.

Plant Arisaema ciliatum in a cool environment together with bamboos (Fargesia), hostas and ferns.