Arum italicum (Italian arum)

Botanical name

Arum italicum

Other names

Italian arum

Genus

Arum Arum

Species

A. italicum - A. italicum is a tuberous, clump-forming, evergreen perennial with arrow- to spear-shaped, white-veined, mid-green leaves and pale greenish-white spathes in early summer followed by spikes of bright orange-red fruit.

Foliage

Semi evergreen

Habit

Compact, Clump-forming

Toxicity

All parts, including berries, are highly toxic if ingested and a skin and eye irritant.

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Colour

Flower

Cream, Pale-yellow, White in Summer; White, Cream, Pale-yellow in Autumn

Foliage

Variegated, Green, Cream, White in Spring; White, Variegated, Green, Cream in Winter

General care

Pruning

Requires little to no regular pruning. Remove untidy or dead leaves as desired. Remove faded flower stems if fruit is not wanted.

Propagation

Remove fleshy pulp around seed before sowing in a cold frame in autumn.

Propagation methods

Division, Seed

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Monthly care advice

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Where to grow

Arum italicum (Italian arum) will reach a height of 0.3m and a spread of 0.15m after 2-5 years.

Suggested uses

Underplanting, Beds and borders, Flower Arranging, Cottage/Informal

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.

Soil type

Chalky, Loamy, Sandy

Soil drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full 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, Zone 5

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Arum italicum (Italian arum)

Common pest name

Scientific pest name

Tomato yellow ring virus

Type

Virus or Viroid

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Virus with a broad host range; but found most commonly on tomato. Detected in Europe for the first time in 2013/14; on tomato plants in Poland.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/