A relative of the tropical calla lily and peace lily, water arum has the same type of inflorescence consisting of a showy white spath cuped around a fleshy central spadix carrying the tiny flowers. Red berries appear in late summer. The deep green leaves are large and bold, and have a thick waxy covering. The plant grows from a creeping rhizome and slowly forms loose colonies. It is often found in bogs, and swampy sites and would be a good addition to a water garden. Water arum is not as showy as its cultivated relatives but adds an exotic look to the garden.
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Bloom: Tiny male and female flowers are produced in a spath and spadix inflorescence in late spring to early summer followed by red berries in August and September.
Foliage: Leaves are oval, 4” x 10”, and have a thick waxy covering.
Size: 12” H x 16-20” W
Light: Part sun to part shade but lanky and weak in too much shade
Soil: Average, wet to flooded, slightly acidic
Hardiness: Zones 3-9
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: None of significance
Propagation: Moderately difficult from seed, or division of rhizomes in spring or fall.
Companion plants: Yellow flag iris, corkscrew rush, horsetail (Equisetum hymale).
Karen Meyers