Arisaema maximowiczii
perennial

Maximowicz's cobra lily

Arisaema maximowiczii

The Story

Plant Bio

Arisaema maximowiczii is a perennial herbaceous plant distinguished by its striking, umbrella-like green and purple-striped spathe and a single, often patterned, leaf stalk that emerges in late spring.

This species is notable for its unique floral structure and adaptability to woodland gardens, thriving in shaded, well-drained soils with minimal maintenance.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesAdds early spring color and unique foliage to shaded gardens.
Practical UsesPrefers moist, rich soils, making it suitable for woodland settings.
Ecological BenefitsSupports native pollinators when in bloom.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

18 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

6, 7, 8

Water

Moist

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Japan

Toxicity

Toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Early spring – Mid-spring

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck bulbs 4 inches deep in well-draining soil
  2. Mist cuttings in humid environment for propagation
  3. Water regularly to keep soil moist but not soggy
  4. Apply mulch to retain soil moisture and suppress weeds
  5. Divide clumps every 3–4 years in early spring
  6. Protect from frost in colder zones during winter

Pro Tip

Plant in dappled shade with moist, rich soil for best results

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Mulch annually to conserve moisture
  • Divide clumps in early spring to promote growth

Don't

  • Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
  • Don’t plant in overly dry or sandy soils
  • Refrain from pruning in late fall

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Mulch
Plant
Spring Cleanup

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Early spring woodland borderShaded rock garden

Companion Plants

HostaFerns Trilliums

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Maximowicz's cobra lily questions

What zones can Maximowicz's cobra lily grow in?

Maximowicz's 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 Maximowicz's cobra lily deer resistant?

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

When does Maximowicz's cobra lily bloom?

Maximowicz's cobra lily typically blooms in early spring through mid-spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Maximowicz's cobra lily need full sun?

Maximowicz's cobra lily does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Maximowicz's 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.