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Herbaceous Perennial

Arum cyrenaicum

Libyan arum

A clump-forming, tuberous perennial with arrow-shaped, green leaves and sturdy, erect stems bearing purple-rose spathes with a darker red-pink spadix in spring. Spathes are followed by spikes of bright orange-red fruit

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Clay
Chalk
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Neutral, Alkaline, Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Red Pink Green
Summer Green Orange Red
Autumn Green
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5
Botanical 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 TOXIC to pets - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
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
SW Crete & NE Libya

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

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