Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Southeastern Asia
Toxicity
High
The Story
Plant Bio
Sauromatum venosum, commonly known as Voodoo Lily, is a tuberous perennial noted for its foul-smelling flower (a spathe and spadix) which appears in late spring before the foliage. After bloom, a single, large, palmately-compound leaf emerges, providing summer interest. This species is notable for its strong, unpleasant odor during flowering, which attracts pollinators and makes it a unique specimen for ornamental and educational purposes.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck rhizomes 2 inches deep in well-draining soil.
- Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Place in partial shade for optimal growth.
- Mulch around the plant to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize monthly during active growth season.
- Protect from frost by mulching or moving indoors in colder zones.
Pro Tip
Ensure good drainage to prevent rhizome rot during winter.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently during the growing season 🌱
- Apply organic compost in spring
- Mulch to conserve moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don't disturb rhizomes during dormancy
- Refrain from fertilizing late in fall
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Propagate | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Voodoo Lily questions
What zones can Voodoo Lily grow in?
Voodoo Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 6–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Voodoo Lily deer resistant?
Yes — Voodoo Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Voodoo Lily bloom?
Voodoo Lily typically blooms in late spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Voodoo Lily need full sun?
Voodoo Lily does best in part shade.
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Explore the genus
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Hardy in your zone?
Grow Voodoo Lily with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
