5 named cultivars

perennial

Italian Arum

Arum italicum

The Story

Plant Bio

Arum italicum, Italian arum, is a tuberous perennial native from Macaronesia and North Africa through western Europe to Iraq, reaching one to two feet. Large glossy arrow-shaped leaves boldly veined in silver-grey emerge in autumn and persist all winter, then die back in summer, leaving upright spikes of bright orange berries standing bare.

Its growth cycle runs backwards from most plants: foliage in winter, dormancy in summer, which makes it valuable for covering ground when everything else is bare. That same vigour makes it hard to remove — the tubers fragment and regrow, and it has naturalised invasively in parts of the Pacific Northwest and Southeast, so check local status before planting.

Uses & Benefits:

Boldly silver-veined arrow-shaped leaves through winter, then striking orange berry spikes.

Covers shaded ground in the months when nothing else does, and needs no care.

Berries are taken by birds, which is also how it spreads beyond gardens.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moderate

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Macaronesia, North Africa and western Europe to Iraq

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Planting

How to Grow

Plant tubers in late summer in moist, well-drained soil.
Choose partial to deep shade.
Set tubers about four inches deep.
Expect foliage in autumn and dormancy in summer.
Remove berry spikes before they seed if spread is a concern.
Wear gloves when handling; the sap irritates skin.

Pro Tip

Check whether it is listed as invasive where you live before planting — the tubers fragment when dug and it is genuinely difficult to remove once settled.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Plant in shade for winter foliage 🌱
Wear gloves when handling 🧤
Remove berry spikes to limit spread ✂️
Mark the spot; it vanishes in summer 🏷️

Don't

Plant it where it is listed invasive ❌
Let children near the orange berries ❌
Expect to dig it out easily ❌

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Monitor
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Winter groundcover in deep shadeWoodland underplantingContainer for winter foliage interest

Companion Plants

Hellebore Snowdrop HostaFern Cyclamen

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.