FACT FILE
What Arums are herbaceous perennials grown primarily for foliage interest. The leaves are often intricately marbled with white and silver and spotted with purple; the hooded inflorescence may be green, white, yellow or, occasionally, purple. Arums have many common names, including cuckoo-pint, bobbins and lords-and-ladies. The genus comprises 28 species.
Season November to August, with a peak of foliage in March.
Size From 20cm to 90cm tall and wide. Most garden cultivars have a height and spread of around 40-50cm.
Conditions They enjoy good woodland soil with dappled shade, but once established they are fairly unfussy.
Origins Distributed from the Canary Islands across Europe, the Middle East and Central Asia to western China.
Hardiness Cultivars of A. maculatum and A. italicum are hardy throughout the UK, with an RHS rating of H6-H7, and suitable for gardens in USDA zones 5a to 9b. Southern European species may need some protection.
