Arisaema candidissimum

This pink-flowered cobra lily is one of the most desirable for ornamental purposes because of the unique colour of the spathe in a genus that consists mainly of variations of green, burgundy and white. Here the light pink spathe is striped with white. Arisaema candidissimum is later to emerge than other species and is often not seen until May when the flowers emerge as the beautiful and sub-tropical tripartite foliage is unfurling. A beautiful species worth collecting! Arisaema are known as cobra lilies or jack-in-the-pulpits. There are only two North American species but many in Asia. They grow in moist, shaded, forested habitats and are great for adding cool foliage and floral intrigue in the shade or woodland garden where they can rise up and through other shade plants. In colder climates they can be grown in pots and protected in winter. Keep just above freezing. In pots, plant in a moist but free-draining mix of coarse bark and pumice or perlite. Pull back on watering when dormant.