Arum italicum 'Black Spot'
Italian arum 'Black Spot'
A tuberous perennial to 35cm, with large, arrow-shaped dark, glossy green leaves with black splotches. Appearing in autumn, large greenish-yellow spathes with a yellow spadix are followed by showy spikes of orange-red berries
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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–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Black Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green Yellow | Black Green | ||
| Autumn | Black Green | Orange Red | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Semi evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming, Columnar upright
- 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
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in moist but well-drained humus-rich soil and plant 10 to 15cm deep. Has the potential to become a nuisance if not managed well
Propagation
Division of clumps of tubers should take place after flowering. Alternatively, propagate by seed sown in autumn having removed the fleshy pulp
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Sub-tropical
- Wildlife gardens
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
- Ground cover
- Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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