perennial

Franchet's Cobra Lily

Arisaema franchetianum

The Story

Plant Bio

A tuberous, herbaceous perennial native to woodlands in China. It features a single, large, three-part (trifoliate) leaf held on a mottled stalk. Valued for its dramatic, hooded flower (spathe) that appears in late spring.

Distinguished by its very large, deep purplish-brown spathe, which is elegantly striped with white. The spathe envelops the spadix, which terminates in a long, thread-like appendage that hangs down. Followed by a dense cluster of bright red berries in late summer.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds exotic, striking visual interest with unique flowers.

Prefers shaded, moist areas reducing watering needs.

Supports pollinators attracted to its tubular flowers.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

15 inches

Width

10 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moist

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Yes

Bloom period

Late spring – Mid-spring

In flower about 12 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck bulbs 3 inches deep in well-draining soil
Water regularly to keep soil moist during active growth
Place in partial shade for optimal growth
Mulch to retain soil moisture and regulate temperature
Fertilize lightly in early spring with balanced fertilizer
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring

Pro Tip

Plant in shaded, moist areas with rich soil for best results

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring

Don't

Avoid dry or overly sunny locations ❌
Don't let soil dry out completely
Refrain from disturbing bulbs during dormancy

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 shaded garden bed

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Astilbes LigulariaJapanese forest grass

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Franchet's Cobra Lily questions

What zones can Franchet's Cobra Lily grow in?

Franchet's 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 Franchet's Cobra Lily deer resistant?

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

When does Franchet's Cobra Lily bloom?

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

Does Franchet's Cobra Lily need full sun?

Franchet's Cobra Lily does best in part shade.