perennial

Yunnan Cobra Lily

Arisaema yunnanense

The Story

Plant Bio

Arisaema yunnanense is a perennial herbaceous plant featuring distinctive, umbrella-like foliage with variegated patterns and unique spathe and spadix flowers that emerge in spring and summer.

This species is notable for its striking, mottled leaf pattern and its adaptation to shady, woodland environments, making it a popular choice for shaded garden areas.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesAdds unique, exotic flair to shaded garden areas with its distinctive tubular flowers.
Practical UsesPrefers shaded, moist environments, making it suitable for low-light garden niches.
Ecological BenefitsSupports shade-tolerant pollinators and enhances woodland biodiversity.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

12 inches

Width

8 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8

Water

Moist

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Yunnan Province, China

Toxicity

All parts are toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early spring – Late spring

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
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In flower about 3 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds into well-draining soil in fall.
  2. Maintain moist, shaded environment for roots.
  3. Mulch lightly to retain moisture and regulate temperature.
  4. Provide consistent watering during active growth.
  5. Protect from extreme cold with mulch or cover in winter.
  6. Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains moist and shaded for best growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate temperature
  • Plant in shaded or partial shaded areas

Don't

  • Avoid direct, harsh sunlight ❌
  • Do not let soil dry out completely
  • Avoid over-fertilizing

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Shaded woodland borderUnderstory plant in shaded gardens

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Trilliums Astilbes

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Yunnan Cobra Lily questions

What zones can Yunnan Cobra Lily grow in?

Yunnan Cobra Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 6–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Yunnan Cobra Lily deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Yunnan Cobra Lily, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Yunnan Cobra Lily bloom?

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

Does Yunnan Cobra Lily need full sun?

Yunnan Cobra Lily does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Yunnan Cobra 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.