Pot grown aethiopica are evergreen, bulbous half hardy perennials with plain green leaves, and flowers from March until June.
They should be treated as deciduous plants and dried off after the leaves have turned yellow.
Arum italicum is a decorative border plant with mottled foliage that grows to around 300mm (12") in height.
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The foliage withers away in spring and is followed by white spathe-like flowers.
As the flowers die back they are followed by stalks of vivid red berries.
aethiopica are generally grown in 150 250mm (6”-10”) pots of John Innes No2 potting compost (or similar), and require a minimum winter temperature of 7-10C (45-50F)
In milder areas they can be grown outdoors providing the soil is humus rich, moist and in full sun.
In winter; protect bulbs from frost with a deep mulch.
Contact with sap may irritate the skin, and any part of the plant may cause mild stomach upset if eaten!
Cultvation;
Week 14; In Spring when growth appears, water moderately, gradually increasing the amount; until the plants are in full leaf then water copiously.
Week 18; plant out italicum tubers about 100mm (4") deep and 150mm (6") apart, in well-drained, humus-rich soil, ideally in dappled shade and with shelter from winds.
Week 20; Feed at weekly intervals from now until August with a balanced liquid fertiliser.
When flowering is over gradually withhold water.
Week 33; Sow seed in trays / pots of seed compost and germinate at a temperature of 18°C (65°F)
Germination can take from 1-3 months.
Week 38; Pot up established plants in fresh compost and place them in the greenhouse to over winter.
If more stock is required, divide the rhizomes and pot them up at the same time.
Week 44; If seedlings are large enough prick them out into 70mm (3") pots of potting compost and keep frost free until planting out time.
