Arisaema fargesii

Arisaema fargesii, also known as the Chinese cobra lily, is one of the easiest to grow and most spectacular of the genus. Giant, glossy green trifoliate leaves, similar to A. candidissimum, emerge in late spring followed by 18 inch tall flower stalks topped with a large wine-red pitcher (spathe) with dramatic white striping with a long, thread-like whip forming at the tip. Well 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.