perennial

Italian arum

Arum italicum 'neglectum'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

Expertly Curated

Real-Time Pricing

Loved by Designers

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

15 inches

Width

15 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Average

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Mediterranean region

Toxicity

Yes

The Story

Plant Bio

A tuberous perennial noted for its attractive, arrow-shaped, glossy green leaves with greyish-green or cream marbling. Foliage emerges in autumn, persists through winter, and dies back in late spring. In spring, it produces a flower consisting of a greenish-white spathe enclosing a yellow spadix, followed by spikes of showy, bright orange-red berries in late summer. Valued for its ornamental foliage which provides excellent winter groundcover in shaded areas. It naturalizes well in woodland gardens. All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested and contact with the sap may irritate skin.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Provides striking foliage and early fall interest, perfect for shaded gardens.

Toxic if ingested, caution around children and pets.

Supports local insect populations with foliage.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

We couldn't find this plant listed online right now.

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck rhizomes 2 inches deep in well-draining soil
Mist cuttings or water regularly to keep soil moist
Place in partial shade for best foliage color
Mulch around plants to retain moisture
Monitor for pests and treat organically if needed
Divide in early spring for propagation

Pro Tip

Keep soil moist and provide partial shade for optimal growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture
Divide clumps every few years

Don't

Avoid overwatering to prevent rot ❌
Don’t expose to full sun in hot climates
Refrain from disturbing dormant rhizomes during winter

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderDramatic foliage accent

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Astilbes Heucheras

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Italian arum questions

What zones can Italian arum grow in?

Italian arum is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Italian arum deer resistant?

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

When does Italian arum bloom?

Italian arum typically blooms in spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Italian arum need full sun?

Italian arum does best in part shade.

Is Italian arum drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Italian arum handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.