perennial

Cobra Lily

The Story

Plant Bio

A tuberous, herbaceous perennial from the Arum family, native to the Himalayas. It is known for its single, large, radial leaf composed of many leaflets and a distinctive 'Jack-in-the-pulpit' flower structure (a spathe and spadix).

Distinguished by its broad, green spathe that is often striped or flushed with purple-brown, and a long, thread-like appendage extending from the spadix. After flowering, it produces an attractive cluster of red berries.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides early seasonal interest with its distinctive foliage and flowers, enhancing woodland and shaded garden areas.

Prefers moist, well-drained soils, making it suitable for rain gardens and wet woodland gardens.

Supports native pollinators with early spring blooms, contributing to local biodiversity.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

20 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moist

Humidity

Moderate to high

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Himalayas, China, Taiwan

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck tubers 2 inches deep in moist, well-drained soil
Place in partial shade for optimal growth
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth
Apply organic mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Water regularly during dry spells, especially in spring
Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring

Pro Tip

Ensure soil stays moist and well-drained for healthy growth

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature
Plant in partial shade to mimic natural habitat

Don't

Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
Don’t expose to full, harsh sunlight
Refrain from over-fertilizing, which can cause legginess

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Divide
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Woodland border with purple accentsEarly spring woodland garden feature

Companion Plants

Hostas Fern varieties Trilliums Epimediums

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Cobra Lily questions

What zones can Cobra Lily grow in?

Cobra Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 6–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Cobra Lily deer resistant?

Yes — Cobra Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Cobra Lily bloom?

Cobra Lily typically blooms in late spring, early summer through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Cobra Lily need full sun?

Cobra Lily does best in part shade.