Plant the five tubers in fall, ideally during September or October before the ground freezes. Choose bright shade in humus-rich drained soil. Set every tuber approximately 10 cm deep and 20 to 25 cm apart. Backfill without compacting, water once, and mark the location. In Zone 5, a sheltered position and light mulch improve winter stability. Wear gloves while handling tubers, then wash tools and hands because the plant contains irritating and toxic substances. This tuberous perennial in the arum family forms a low, structured clump in shaded garden positions. Dark green arrow-shaped leaves carry silver veining that remains ornamental through the cool part of the season.
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Tuber
Araceae
Tuberous perennial with ornamental foliage
Italian arum (Arum italicum)
Arum italicum
Arum italicum is a Zone 5 tuberous perennial valued for dark green leaves marbled with silver. Semi-evergreen foliage animates shade through the cool seasons, followed by a creamy white spathe from April through May. Orange-red berries may extend the decorative display, but every plant part is toxic. The Van Noort package contains five tubers for fall planting at a depth of 10 cm. Provide bright shade, humus-rich soil that stays moist in spring, and impeccable drainage. The plant suits woodlands, forest rock gardens, and protected containers. Dark green arrow-shaped leaves carry silver veining that remains ornamental through the cool part of the season.
Quantity
5 tubers
Exposure
Shade
Hardiness
Zone 5
Difficulty level
Moderate
Discover the plant
Family
Araceae
Genus
Arum
Species
italicum
Type
Tuber
Cycle
Perennial
Italian arum (Arum italicum) forms an elegant clump of dark green arrow-shaped leaves clearly traced with silver veins. This semi-evergreen foliage brings light and texture to shaded positions through the cooler seasons. From April through May, a creamy white spathe surrounds a discreet spadix and may later give way to a highly decorative stalk of orange-red berries. The plant reaches approximately 30 to 40 cm tall and 20 to 25 cm wide. Hardy to Zone 5, it survives winter in drained soil and may enter dormancy when summer becomes hot or dry.
Plant the five tubers in fall approximately 10 cm deep and 20 to 25 cm apart. Choose bright shade or cool partial shade in humus-rich, loose, slightly acidic to neutral soil with perfect drainage. Water after planting, then maintain moderate moisture during spring growth without saturating the ground. A thin layer of mature compost supports the plant without encouraging overly soft foliage. Reduce irrigation sharply when leaves decline in summer. In Quebec Zone 5, favour a sheltered position and a light mulch that does not hold water against the crown.
Use Italian arum in woodland, a forest rock garden, a shaded border, or a naturalistic planting where its marbled foliage can be viewed closely. Pair it with ferns, hellebores, heucheras, epimediums, and small spring bulbs suited to drained soil. Berries provide remarkable colour but are toxic and must never be eaten. Position the plant away from areas used by young children and pets. Wear gloves for maintenance and remove fruit before ripening whenever its presence creates a risk. In containers, use a deep frost-resistant pot with excellent drainage. Bright shade or cool partial shade protects foliage and is preferable to hot afternoon sun.
Planting guide
From planting to establishment.
Planting depth
10 cm (4 in)
Spacing / density
20 to 25 cm (8 to 10 in) between tubers
Establishment temperature
15 to 20°C (59 to 68°F)
Establishment time
30 to 60 days
Best planting time
September to October, before the ground freezes
Propagation
Tuber division during dormancy
Growing method
Plant the five tubers in fall, ideally from September through October before the ground freezes. Select bright shade or cool partial shade protected from scorching sun and water accumulation. Loosen soil through 20 to 25 cm, incorporate mature compost, and correct drainage across the entire area when soil is heavy. Set each tuber approximately 10 cm deep and 20 to 25 cm apart. Backfill without compacting and water once. Mark the position because foliage may disappear during summer dormancy. In spring, keep soil moist with deep but spaced irrigation. Apply a light mulch of decomposed leaves without covering the crown thickly. Wear gloves whenever handling tubers or sap. After flowering, allow the stalk to develop only when berries create no risk; otherwise remove it before colour forms. Reduce water sharply when foliage declines. In fall, divide crowded clumps during rest and immediately replant firm tubers. In Zone 5, use a sheltered position and preserve free drainage during thaws. Never plant beside a vegetable garden or play area because every plant part is toxic. Bright shade or cool partial shade protects foliage and is preferable to hot afternoon sun. Soil should be humus-rich, moist during growth, and perfectly drained, especially around resting tubers.
Soil and care
The right conditions.
Exposure
Shade
Soil pH
Slightly acidic to neutral
Hardiness zone
Zone 5
Minimum temperature
-29°C (-20°F)
Watering
Water moderately during spring growth so soil stays moist without becoming saturated. Check moisture beneath mulch before every application and favour deep rather than frequent irrigation. Reduce water sharply when leaves begin to decline, then keep tubers relatively dry through summer dormancy. Resume gradually when new shoots appear as cool conditions return. Plant tubers in fall approximately 10 cm deep and space plants 20 to 25 cm apart.
Soil type
Choose humus-rich, loose soil that remains moist during growth while always releasing surplus water quickly. Slightly acidic to neutral conditions suit the plant. Leaf compost improves woodland soil structure without creating a heavy layer. Avoid compacted clay, hollows, and constantly wet positions that promote tuber deterioration during dormancy. Work amendments across the whole planting area so roots encounter consistently balanced texture, oxygen, and drainage instead of an isolated pocket.
Fertilization
As growth begins, apply a thin layer of mature compost or leaf mould around the clump. In poor soil, a balanced slow-release fertilizer may be used at a low label rate. Avoid repeated nitrogen applications that create soft foliage and reduce resilience. Stop all feeding when the plant enters summer dormancy. In Quebec, Zone 5 is the stated limit; a sheltered site and airy mulch improve winter stability.
Seasonal care
In spring, gently remove dead leaves covering new shoots and check drainage after snowmelt. Apply a thin layer of leaf compost and water only when rainfall does not maintain steady moisture. Wear gloves throughout cleanup. From April through May, observe the cream spathe and spadix without handling sap. After flowering, decide whether fruit can remain without creating risk. In a garden used by children or pets, cut the stalk before orange-red berries become attractive. In summer, foliage may yellow and disappear; sharply reduce irrigation and mark the clump to prevent digging into tubers. Do not fill the gap with a plant requiring constant irrigation. In fall, remove only dry tissue, divide a congested clump during rest, and replant firm tubers 10 cm deep. In Zone 5, add airy mulch in exposed sites without trapping moisture against the crown. Through winter, leave the plant resting and monitor primarily for standing water during thaws. Wash tools and hands after every task, then discard fruit and debris beyond reach. Semi-evergreen foliage may disappear during summer dormancy before returning when cooler conditions resume. Established plants suit woodlands, forest rock gardens, shaded borders, and naturalistic plantings. Water moderately in spring, reduce irrigation during rest, and prevent standing water at all times. Wear gloves when dividing, cutting, or cleaning the plant, then wash tools and hands carefully.
Container growing
A controlled environment.
Recommended pot size
Frost-resistant container at least 30 cm (12 in) deep
Use a frost-resistant container at least 30 cm deep with several open holes and enough width to space the tubers. Cover openings with mesh rather than a thick gravel layer, then fill with structured humus-rich mix amended with a drainage material. Plant tubers approximately 10 cm deep and water until surplus flows away. Position the pot in bright shade or partial shade away from hot afternoon sun. During growth, check moisture regularly without leaving water in a saucer. A small spring compost application is sufficient. When foliage declines, reduce irrigation and keep the mix relatively dry without allowing complete contraction. For winter in Zone 5, group the pot against a sheltered wall, insulate its sides with breathable material, and protect it from excessive rain. Do not bring the container into a heated room. Repot during dormancy when tubers fill the space. Wear gloves, wash pot and tools, and always position the container beyond the reach of children and pets, especially when berries form. Established plants suit woodlands, forest rock gardens, shaded borders, and naturalistic plantings. Water moderately in spring, reduce irrigation during rest, and prevent standing water at all times.
Bloom and dimensions
The complete profile.
Flower color
Creamy white
Foliage color
Green marbled with silver
Foliage type
Semi-evergreen
Growth rate
Moderate
Bloom period
From April through May, a creamy white spathe unfolds around a pale spadix. The inflorescence is subtler than the marbled foliage but clearly reveals the plant’s place in the arum family. After pollination, a stalk of clustered orange-red berries may develop. These fruits are strictly ornamental and toxic; remove them before colouring when children or pets use the garden. Water moderately in spring, reduce irrigation during rest, and prevent standing water at all times.
Fruiting
After flowering, the spadix may carry a dense cluster of berries that change from green to orange-red. This vertical fruit display is highly decorative as foliage declines. Berries nevertheless contain irritating compounds and are toxic if swallowed. In spaces accessible to children or pets, cut the stalk before colour develops, wear gloves, and discard it safely. Wear gloves when dividing, cutting, or cleaning the plant, then wash tools and hands carefully.
Harvest
None
Garden associations
What to plant with it.
Good companions
Pair Italian arum with ferns, hellebores, epimediums, heucheras, lungworts, and small daffodils suited to bright shade and drained soil. Their matte, fine, or coloured foliage emphasizes silver veins without hiding the clump. Avoid invasive groundcovers that make tuber monitoring difficult and plants requiring constant summer moisture. Maintain clear separation from vegetables and herbs as well to prevent confusion. A cream spathe surrounds a spadix in spring, and orange-red berries may extend the decorative display afterward. Every plant part is toxic if swallowed, and berries must remain beyond the reach of children and pets.
Avoid planting with
The main problems are slugs on young shoots and waterlogged soils that encourage tuber rot.
Use Arum italicum as a foliage accent in woodlands, shaded borders, forest rock gardens, and naturalistic plantings. Silver veins brighten dark areas, while its 30-to-40-cm height fits beneath shrubs and among ferns. The spring spathe and berries add further periods of interest. In a protected container, the plant also suits shaded entrances. Avoid vegetable gardens, play areas, and places accessible to pets because of its toxicity. Mark dormant clumps clearly and keep every decorative fruit stalk beyond reach. This tuberous perennial in the arum family forms a low, structured clump in shaded garden positions.
From the garden to inspiration.
This plant is grown exclusively for its remarkable ornamental value and is not intended for consumption. Its striking marbled foliage brightens the garden throughout autumn and winter, while clusters of bright orange-red berries extend its ornamental appeal into summer. It is an outstanding choice for shade gardens.
Frequently asked questions
Everything toknow.
Arum italicum follows a cycle adapted to cool seasons. Foliage may be present in fall, mild winter, and spring, then yellow as summer heat or dryness increases. This disappearance generally indicates normal dormancy rather than tuber death. Reduce irrigation sharply and avoid digging in the area. Mark the clump and do not install a plant requiring constant water in the same place. As temperatures cool and moisture returns, new leaves may emerge. Constantly wet soil during rest encourages rot instead. Dark green arrow-shaped leaves carry silver veining that remains ornamental through the cool part of the season. A cream spathe surrounds a spadix in spring, and orange-red berries may extend the decorative display afterward.
No. Orange-red berries and every other part of Arum italicum are toxic if swallowed and can strongly irritate the mouth and tissue. Do not plant this species beside a play area, vegetable garden, or route used by pets. When children or animals use the garden, cut the stalk with gloves before fruit colours and becomes attractive. Place debris in an inaccessible container, then wash tools and hands. If ingestion or symptoms occur, promptly contact a poison centre, medical professional, or veterinarian. A cream spathe surrounds a spadix in spring, and orange-red berries may extend the decorative display afterward. Every plant part is toxic if swallowed, and berries must remain beyond the reach of children and pets.
In Zone 5, favour a position sheltered from drying wind and severe winter fluctuations. The decisive factor is free drainage during fall rain and thaws. Plant tubers 10 cm deep in humus-rich soil, then apply light airy mulch after the ground cools. Do not use a thick covering that holds water. In spring, remove only compacted mulch and monitor moisture. In containers, insulate the sides and keep the pot outdoors against a protected wall because a heated room disrupts the natural cycle. Every plant part is toxic if swallowed, and berries must remain beyond the reach of children and pets. Check drainage after every winter thaw and keep the crown free of compacted wet mulch.
Choose bright-shade companions that enjoy humus-rich drained soil: ferns, hellebores, epimediums, heucheras, lungworts, and small daffodils. Matte or finely divided textures emphasize the arum’s silver veins. Add perennials that take over when its foliage enters dormancy, but avoid aggressive groundcovers that make tubers difficult to locate. Do not pair arum with plants requiring constantly saturated soil. Maintain clear separation from edible crops and areas accessible to children or pets because of its toxicity. Bright shade or cool partial shade protects foliage and is preferable to hot afternoon sun. Soil should be humus-rich, moist during growth, and perfectly drained, especially around resting tubers.
Its strengths, naturally.
Not recommended for pets
Pets
Attracts or supports pollinating insects
Pollinators
