Arum italicum

Common Names

Italian Arum, Lords and Ladies, Cuckoo Pint

Summary

Arum italicum is a hardy, clump-forming perennial in the Araceae family native to southern and western Europe. It features arrow-shaped leaves with white veins that appear in autumn and persist through winter; in spring it bears white spathes, followed by red to orange-red berries in summer; the plant grows about 12–18 inches tall and can spread by seeds and tubers, with invasiveness possible in some zones. Growing it favors partial to full shade in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil and it is hardy in zones 5–9. It can naturalize in woodland settings and is used as ornamental groundcover in shade; propagation occurs by division after flowering or by seeds sown in autumn after removing the fleshy pulp. Removal is difficult due to tubers, requiring careful disposal in trash rather than compost; all parts are toxic if ingested and contact with sap may irritate skin.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

12-18 inches

Spread

12-24 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5a-9b

Sunlight Requirements

Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil

Soil Drainage

Moist but well-drained soil.

Soil pH

No single ideal soil pH, tolerates all pH levels (acidic to alkaline).

Bloom Color

Greenish-white

Bloom Time

Spring (April to May)

Foliage Color

Green with pale-veined foliage.

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Variable growth rate, slow in some conditions, rapid in fertile, well-drained sites.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division, Cormlet propagation

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts birds, flies