Arisaema consanguineum

RHS Plant Profile
Himalayan cobra lily
Himalayan cobra lily Catherine Lewis
Bulbs

A tall, tuberous perennial producing a single, umbrella-shaped leaf with 11-20 leaflets 20cm or more in length, on a stem up to a metre high. Below this, in summer, is the dark, purple-brown hooded spathe marked with fine green and white stripes.

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Araceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eatenskin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Arisaema are mostly tuberous perennials usually with palmately lobed leaves, and distinctive tubular, hooded spathes within which the tiny true flowers are clustered at the base of the club-like or filamentous spadix, followed by a spike of red berries
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Himalaya to SE Asia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil in a cool site. Tubers must not dry out when dormant, and may need winter protection in colder areas

Propagation

Propagate by seed, sowing them in containers in a cold frame in autumn or spring, or remove offsets in late summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and vine weevil

Diseases

Generally disease-free