I have done profiles of how different plants, such as amsonias and mountain mints do in my yard. I have been planning some more, and arum is one that I've had fun taking photos of at different times of the season. About 5 years ago, I picked out several kinds bulbs at a local nursery. I didn't know what arum was, but liked whatever I read on the tag. I planted 2 clumps that come up every spring, and die back as they are produing 1 to 3 weird stocks that get berries on them. The first year, my son liked them, and after looking them up, told me they were supposed to be in the shade. At first, I thought too much sun was why the leaves were dying back, but later found out that is normal. They actually have afternoon shade.
After looking it up this evening to see if there was anything else I should tell you about the plant, I found out it is invasive in warmer climates, and very hard to get rid of. I also found out the leaves and berries are poisonous. I recently transplanted a clump to the newest area of the street bed that was created as a result of the curb and street repair that was done this summer. I hope I'm not sorry. I'll have to keep my eye on them, but so far, they have not spread much. There are several interesting reviews of the plant at Dave's Garden. Here is a link to Rainy Side Gardeners for their information.
I just took photos of one of the clumps for these photos. This one seems to do better than the other, which doesn't always send the stock up. After seeing the photos on the web, I am wondering why this one doesn't send more up. It's probably drier than it would prefer.
5/6/09:
5/24/09:
5/30/09:
6/2/09:
6/9/09:
6/18/09:
6/28/09:
7/7/09:
7/7/09:
8/11/09:
8/16/09:
8/16/09:
9/18/09, it's died back:
10/6/09, it's coming up right in front of and in the lavender:
10/10/09:
11/25/09:
11/25/09, the clump I dug and planted in the new area a couple weeks before this, and forgot to water more than once:
So, let us know what experiences you have had with Arum italicum or tips on keeping it healthy, but not invasive.
Thats nice to see the arum in the season of fall & winter.
ReplyDeleteI thought all arums are tropical plant, so not so sure about the tip part.
One thing for sure, do keep the seeds as you can propagate them in different parts. The may have a bulb like rhizome which you can unearth them and plant more of these bulb in a bigger patch.
Hi Sue~~ Would you believe that within my vast, gluttonous 12 paged plant list, Arum is MIA? :) I'm not sure why. With my Zone 8 climate it is probably invasive but I long ago found a cure for exuberant plants: containers. I think Arum would look fabulous as part of a foliage ensemble. I love how yours mingles within this corner of the corner garden.
ReplyDeleteA word of warning - while very pretty, arums can provoke really nasty skin reactions. My daughter got some of the sap on her arm while she was helping me clear some of it (it IS invasive!) and her whole arm ended up looking like it was covered in shingles. It was a trip to the emergency doctor on Boxing Day for us last year.
ReplyDeleteSue, however do you find the time to do so many informative posts and include the perfect photos? Always learn something when I visit here.
ReplyDeleteThe Arum is very handsome. My favorites are the surrounding plants -- lavender, Catmint and especially that big beautiful blue Geraniums -- and the big views of your garden. You have done a wonderful job.
ReplyDeleteIf there was a Best Post Award, this would be deserving.
ReplyDeleteI love how you followed this plant for all of us to see. It's very interesting.......I LOVE your yard and gardens!!
ReplyDeleteI have only ever had it in pots as housplants...and it never lasts long for me
ReplyDeleteWow. I really liked the foliage. It was so interesting. I need more interesting big leaf stuff in my yard. It was enjoyable to see the different stages throughout the season. I am impressed that you had the forethought to take those pictures. Interesting post Sue.
ReplyDeleteI've never grown Arum. I'm not sure why, maybe because my soil is so dry. I doubt it would be invasive for me for that reason. It would be nice to have fresh foliage this late, but it would most likely be buried under snow all winter.
ReplyDeleteI've never grown this arum...I think I may have arum-envy now, but I'll just enjoy yours, as it would be marginal here at best. I do grow Jack in the Pulpit, which is a relative. Lovely, informative post.
ReplyDeleteHi Sue, thanks for showing us this very nice and interesting plant. It is one of the best for winter interest here, not at all invasive, we may be too dry with the slope for that. I have tried to spread it with poor results, even though my patch came from division from my neighbors. I have tried to plant the seeds from that weird berry stalk with poor success. You have illustrated well how it looks in all seasons, kudos!!!
ReplyDeleteFrances
my hip is an old injury from when my youngest was born...she was an almost 10 pound monster at birth, and when she was 6 months old, I crossed my legs and gave her the "horsey ride" that popped my right hip out...and it has never been the same since. In and out often and always sore! I am fine, almost ready to post my big reveal of a huge project that has taken up all of my blogging time! Then...on to the Christmas decorating that I am officially a month behind!
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