perennial

Yamato Cobra Lily

The Story

Plant Bio

A tuberous, herbaceous perennial native to the woodlands of Japan. It produces two distinctive leaves, each divided into 7-15 radiating leaflets. In spring, a single flower stalk emerges, bearing a 'jack-in-the-pulpit' type inflorescence (spathe and spadix).

The spathe (the 'pulpit') is a deep purplish-brown or greenish-brown with fine white stripes, and a long, whip-like tip extends from the spadix. After flowering, female plants may produce a cluster of showy red berries in late summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides exotic foliage and flowers, adding unique interest to shaded gardens.

Prefers wet soils, thriving in damp woodland settings.

Supports pollinators attracted to its flowers and foliage.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

15 inches

Width

15 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moist but well-drained

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early spring – Late spring

In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a shaded, moist spot with well-draining soil.
Tuck seeds or rhizomes 2 inches deep in early fall.
Keep soil consistently moist during active growth.
Mist cuttings in spring for propagation success.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Transplant in early spring after dormancy ends.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains moist but not waterlogged for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Apply mulch to conserve moisture
Divide clumps every 3-4 years for vigor

Don't

Avoid dry or overly sunny sites ❌
Do not neglect soil drainage
Refrain from over-fertilizing to prevent rot

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderMoist shady bed

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Astilbes Trilliums

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Yamato Cobra Lily questions

What zones can Yamato Cobra Lily grow in?

Yamato 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 Yamato Cobra Lily deer resistant?

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

When does Yamato Cobra Lily bloom?

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

Does Yamato Cobra Lily need full sun?

Yamato Cobra Lily does best in part shade.