2 named cultivars

perennial

Japanese Cobra Lily

The Story

Plant Bio

Arisaema serratum is a perennial herbaceous plant featuring distinctive, palmately divided leaves and a unique, hooded spathe that encases the spadix, with flowers typically in shades of green and purple.

This cultivar is appreciated for its striking foliage pattern and adaptability to woodland garden settings, thriving in shaded, moist soils with minimal maintenance.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides exotic, striking flowers that add unique character to shaded gardens.

Prefers moist, shaded environments, helping conserve water in suitable areas.

Attracts beneficial insects and supports biodiversity in shaded ecosystems.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Moist

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

East Asia

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds into moist soil in fall for natural stratification
Plant rhizomes 2-3 inches deep in shaded areas
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy
Mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
Fertilize lightly in early spring with balanced fertilizer
Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring

Pro Tip

Provide shaded, moist soil for optimal growth and prevent rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Keep soil consistently moist 🌱
Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds
Plant in shaded or partially shaded spots

Don't

Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
Do not let soil dry out completely
Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils

Seasonal Care Calendar

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

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland garden bedMoist border with exotic appeal

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Astilbes Heucheras Japanese maples

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Japanese Cobra Lily questions

What zones can Japanese Cobra Lily grow in?

Japanese Cobra Lily 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 Japanese Cobra Lily deer resistant?

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

When does Japanese Cobra Lily bloom?

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

Does Japanese Cobra Lily need full sun?

Japanese Cobra Lily does best in part shade.