Striped Cobra Lily is a striking tuberous perennial from western China that brings theatrical drama to shaded gardens with its unusual aroid flowers emerging in late spring before the massive foliage appears. Native to oak forests and rocky cliffs, this species thrives in Zones 5 through 8 and grows 12 to 18 inches tall, eventually spreading 24 to 30 inches as its distinctive three-lobed leaves unfold. The 10-inch-tall inflorescence displays the characteristic cobra-like spathe of the Arisaema genus, blooming from May through June in partial shade. Unlike many of its relatives, Striped Cobra Lily tolerates drier soils than most Arisaema species, though it prefers consistently moist, humusy conditions.
Partial Shade
Moderate
5-8
18in H x 30in W
—
High
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This Chinese native emerges from a modest tuber to deliver one of the most exotic flowers in the temperate shade garden. The 10-inch striped inflorescence blooms before a single, enormous three-lobed leaf unfolds to nearly 2 feet across, creating a stunning sequential display through late spring. Its moderate drought tolerance compared to other cobra lilies makes it more forgiving in less-than-ideal conditions, while hardy well into the Upper Midwest, it performs beautifully for gardeners seeking unusual foliage and flower drama without fussy care.
Striped Cobra Lily serves as an ornamental focal point in shade gardens, woodland borders, and native plant collections. Gardeners grow it for its exceptional flowers and striking foliage display rather than for food or culinary purposes, valuing it as a conversation-starting specimen that brings theatrical appeal to otherwise conventional shaded plantings.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Tubers can be planted directly outdoors in spring after frost danger passes, setting them in prepared beds with rich, humusy soil and partial shade exposure.
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“Arisaema candidissimum originates from the oak forests, wooded valleys, and rocky cliffs of western China, where it evolved as an understory plant in cool, moist woodlands. This species represents one of the remarkable diversity of cobra lilies found across Asia, developed over centuries in the shadow of ancient forests. Its introduction to Western gardens brought gardeners access to a plant with deep horticultural significance in Chinese botany and ecology, where it has grown for generations in its native habitat.”