1 named cultivar

‘Silver Heron’Silver Heron Taiwan Cobra Lily

perennial

Taiwan Cobra Lily

The Story

Plant Bio

A tuberous herbaceous perennial from Taiwan, featuring a single, large, radially-arranged leaf (pedate) held like an umbrella. In late spring, a distinctive 'cobra lily' flower emerges, consisting of a deep maroon spathe (hood) and a long, thread-like spadix (tongue).

Distinguished by its single, impressive, palm-like leaf with 7-15 radiating leaflets. The flower's most dramatic feature is the extremely long, dark, thread-like appendage extending from the spadix, which can dangle 12-20 inches below the spathe.

Uses & Benefits:

Adds exotic, architectural interest to shaded gardens, especially in early spring with its striking purple spathe.

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

Provides habitat for pollinators and beneficial insects in shaded woodland areas.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18 inches

Width

15 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moist, well-drained

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Taiwan

Toxicity

All parts toxic if ingested; skin irritant

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds in moist soil in fall for natural stratification
Plant rhizomes 2 inches deep in shaded area
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged
Apply mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilize with balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring
Protect from frost in colder zones during winter

Pro Tip

Ensure well-draining, moist soil and partial shade for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
Mulch around the base to conserve moisture
Fertilize lightly in spring
Protect from frost in colder zones

Don't

Avoid standing water around roots ❌
Don’t expose to direct hot sun in summer
Do not over-fertilize
Avoid dry, sandy soils

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

Shaded woodland borderMoist herbaceous border

Companion Plants

Hostas Ferns Astilbe LigulariaJapanese painted fern

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Taiwan Cobra Lily questions

What zones can Taiwan Cobra Lily grow in?

Taiwan 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 Taiwan Cobra Lily deer resistant?

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

When does Taiwan Cobra Lily bloom?

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

Does Taiwan Cobra Lily need full sun?

Taiwan Cobra Lily does best in part shade.