Arum creticum
Cretan arum
A clump-forming, tuberous perennial with arrow-shaped, dark green leaves and sturdy, erect stems bearing fragrant, creamy-white to deep yellow spathes in spring. Spathes are followed by spikes of bright orange-red fruit.
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Neutral, Alkaline, AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream Yellow | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Orange Red | |||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Arum are tuberous perennials with simple, arrow-head shaped leaves and tiny flowers hidden, at the base of a yellow or purple, club-shaped spadix, within a showy, hood-like spathe, and followed by red berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Crete to SW Turkey
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant tubers 10-15cm deep in autumn or spring in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil. Leaves are larger in partial shade, flowering is better in sun. New leaves emerge in autumn. Will be evergreen in warm climates, deciduous in cold climates.
Propagation
Propagate by division
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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