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Arisaema tortuosum (Whipcord cobra lily)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
1.5m
Max height
Max height
0.2m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Arisaema tortuosum
Other names
Whipcord cobra lily, Arisaema helleborifolium
Genus
Arisaema Arisaema
Species
A. tortuosum - A. tortuosum is an erect, tuberous, deciduous perennial with a sturdy, mottled stem bearing two or three palmate leaves divided into numerous elliptic, dark green leaflets and, in late spring or early summer, hooded, green spathes, each with a long, erect then curving, purple or green spadice. Spathes are followed by clustered red fruit.
Arisaema tortuosum is: Deciduous
Habit
Erect
Toxicity
All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. The sap may irritate skin and eyes.
Flower
Green in Spring; Green in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Vine weevil , Snails , Slugs Vine weevil , Snails , Slugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Propagation methods
Seed, Offsets
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Where to grow
Arisaema tortuosum (Whipcord cobra lily) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 0.2m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Underplanting, Low Maintenance, Woodland, Flower Arranging, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders
Cultivation
Plant tuber 20cm deep in moist soil in a cool, partially-shaded site. Tolerates sun if soil remains moist. Mulch in winter & protect from frost in spring. Do not allow dormant tubers to dry out but avoid excessive winter wet.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Arisaema tortuosum
Other names
Whipcord cobra lily, Arisaema helleborifolium
Genus
Arisaema Arisaema
Species
A. tortuosum - A. tortuosum is an erect, tuberous, deciduous perennial with a sturdy, mottled stem bearing two or three palmate leaves divided into numerous elliptic, dark green leaflets and, in late spring or early summer, hooded, green spathes, each with a long, erect then curving, purple or green spadice. Spathes are followed by clustered red fruit.
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Erect
Toxicity
All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. The sap may irritate skin and eyes.
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Colour
Flower
Green in Spring; Green in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer; Dark-green in Autumn
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Vine weevil , Snails , Slugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free.
General care
Propagation methods
Seed, Offsets
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Arisaema tortuosum (Whipcord cobra lily) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 0.2m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Underplanting, Low Maintenance, Woodland, Flower Arranging, Cottage/Informal, Beds and borders
Cultivation
Plant tuber 20cm deep in moist soil in a cool, partially-shaded site. Tolerates sun if soil remains moist. Mulch in winter & protect from frost in spring. Do not allow dormant tubers to dry out but avoid excessive winter wet.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Hardy (H4)
USDA zones
Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7, Zone 6
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Hardy (H4) | Tell us... |
ARTICLES WITH THIS PLANT
M&G Investments, the title sponsor of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, commissioned designer Andy Sturgeon (Best in Show winner 2010 and 2016) to create this incredible garden. read more
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