Arisaema sazensoo

The large, purple spathe hood of Arisaema sazensoo droops way down over the tube. The species name comes from “zazen” which refers to a Japanese Buddhist meditation as the flower recalls a bowed monk meditating. When I look at it I see an elephant seal. At any rate, this is a dramatic cobra lily that is hard to find but makes a good garden plant. Blooms mid-spring. 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.