PlantFiles: Griffith's Cobra Lily
Arisaema griffithii

I have grown this amazing Arisaema for two years in Vancouver Canada. It has spent the winter in an 8" deep pot in an unheated commercial greenhouse. I have roughly 17 varois species (including Himalyan)and they have mainly proven themselves vigourous and reliably hardy in our canadian zone 7.Although they must be kept moist while growing,we let them dry out(in soill).As they reguire good drainage,we add pumice to the growing mix.Arisaemas do not like to be out of soil for long periods.

An unusual, tuberous plant from the Himalayas.

Has two, large, dark green, slightly wrinkled leaves, each divided into 3 leaflets and prominent dark veins on the underside. Bears a large (up to 10 inches), hooded, green spathe, deeply veined with dark purple-brown. Spathes are borne at ground level under the leaves. The spadix is very dark purple

Flowers late May - beginning of July

Not an easy one to keep happy. Loves moist but well-drained, leafy, neutral to acid soil in light shade and a sheltered site. Dislikes too much heat and probably needs mulching in winter if kept outside. Some claim this is hardy down to zone 6 but I suspect that depends on the garden situation!

If lifting the tuber to store for winter, don't allow it to dry out.