Arum Plant Growing & Care Guide for Gardeners

Article by Dean Ravenscroft, Ph.D. - Updated 21st Nov 2023

In this Gardener's HQ guide, we'll explore cultivating Arum plants in your garden, indoor spaces, and other settings.

Cuckoopint, and Lords-and-Ladies: Cultivation & Garden Use

Plants in the genus Arum can either be half-hardy or hardy perennials.

Some of the common names for the plants include Cuckoopint and Lords-and-Ladies.

Arum plants typically flower from early to mid spring.

Arum palaestinum by Hortulus.

Description of Cuckoopint - Arum

Arum plants are often compact in size. They are usually upright with arrow shaped leaves and elegant pitcher shaped flowers. They are a great plant to grow near water features.

Arum italicum by Jitze.

How to Grow Arum

It is best to sow Arum seeds outdoor in the autumn at a depth of 30 mm; if growing from tubers, then they should be buried at a depth of 7 to 8 cm.

If you intend to start seedlings off inside, then seeds should be prepared 12 weeks before they are due to be planted out (in the spring or autumn).

Cuckoopint and related plants can take from between one to six months to germinate, and ideally should be germinated at a temperature of 13 to 18 degrees Celsius.

Seedlings should be transplanted at a distance of 30 to 45 cm apart, in either sunny or partially shaded areas of the garden (in hot summers, Arum may need to be shaded in the afternoon for protection).

The soil should be cool, humus rich and moist.

Caring for Arum

During growth the soil that Arum (cuckoopint, lords and ladies) is grown in should be kept moist. The soil should be kept cool by mulching and the plant should be regularly fertilised.

The plant is able to self seed, but tubers can also be divided in the autumn if more plants are required.

Common Questions

How many members does the Arum genus have?

The Arum genus includes about 25 species of flowering plants known for their unique spadix and spathe flower structure.

Do members of Arum make a good garden or landscaping plant?

Arum species can make intriguing additions to gardens due to their unique flowers and often beautifully patterned leaves.

Which Arum species are most frequently grown by gardeners?

Arum italicum, also known as Italian arum or Italian lords-and-ladies, is often grown for its attractive foliage and distinctive flowers.

Are members of the Arum plant genus fragrant?

Some Arum species produce a pungent smell to attract pollinators, but they are not typically fragrant in a traditional sense.

What is the perfect location to grow Arum?

Arum prefers partial to full shade and moist, fertile soil. It can make a good plant for woodland gardens or shady borders.

Is Arum invasive in the USA, if so in which states?

Arum italicum has been reported as invasive in some areas of the Pacific Northwest in the USA.

How do I remove Arum plants from my garden?

Removing Arum can be difficult due to its persistent tubers. Dig up the plants, ensuring to remove all tubers from the soil.

Summary

The Arum genus, part of the Araceae family, consists of about 25 species of perennial plants. These plants, native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia, are recognized for their distinctive spathes, a type of large bract that surrounds the flower spike, or spadix. The attractive and often spotted or variegated foliage also contributes to their ornamental appeal.

Arum plants prefer partial to full shade and rich, moist, well-drained soil. They are excellent for woodland gardens or shady borders. Most species are dormant in the summer and emerge in the fall, providing late-season interest. While these plants have a unique beauty, care should be taken as all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested.

I hope that you enjoyed this guide on how to grow Arum plants. You may also enjoy the following Gardener's HQ growing guides: Growing Dracunculus, Zantedeschia aethiopica, and other Zantedeschia plants.