Yes, it can spread aggressively by seed in some climates.

It prefers partial to full shade.

Plant guide

Italian arum.

Arum italicum

Pronounced AIR-um ih-TAL-ih-kum

Also known as Italian Lords And Ladies, Italian Lords-and-Ladies, Italian arum, Italian cuckoo-pint, Large Cuckoo Pint

Arum italicum — Photo by John McTague (CC BY) via gbif

The Italian arum is a lovely woodland plant that really shines in the cooler months. It features striking, arrow shaped leaves that often have beautiful white or silver veining. You will enjoy its unique hooded flowers in the spring followed by clusters of bright red berries.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial tuberous herb
Light: Partial shade to full shade
Indoor light: Medium light
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 1 to 2 feet tall
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 6 to 9
Bloom time: Late spring

Care

Plant these in a spot with well draining soil that stays consistently moist but not soggy. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves, which can indicate the soil is holding too much water. It is a dormant plant in the heat of summer, so do not worry if it seems to disappear during that time.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the active growing season.
Feeding: Apply a balanced organic fertilizer once in early spring as new growth emerges.
Pruning: Trim back dead or yellowing foliage in late spring or early summer after the plant goes dormant.
Repotting: Divide the tubers every few years if the clump becomes too crowded.
Soil: Humus rich, moist, well draining soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Temperature: -20 to 30°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, long lived.
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense burning and swelling of the mouth and throat.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, as it contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause irritation.
Children: Keep this plant away from children as the bright berries are attractive but highly toxic if eaten.
Contact allergens: Handling the plant can cause skin irritation or dermatitis due to the sap.
Airborne allergens: There are no significant airborne respiratory allergens associated with this plant.
Edibility: All parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested and can cause severe irritation.

How to identify it

Arrow shaped dark green leaves
Prominent white or silver leaf veining
Hooded spathe flowers in spring
Clusters of bright orange red berries

Height: 0.3 to 0.45m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.45m
Leaves: green, white, deciduous
Flowers: green, yellow, 10 to 20cm
Fruit: red, Late summer

Problems to watch for

Aphids · Small insects that may cluster on new growth.
Root rot · Occurs in poorly drained, waterlogged soils.

By symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: autumn, spring
Overwintering: The foliage is hardy and remains through winter in mild climates, so no special protection is needed.
In containers: It grows well in pots, but ensure the container has excellent drainage to prevent rot.

Division

Dig up the clump during the dormant summer period.
Separate the tubers carefully.
Replant the divisions immediately in rich soil.

Plant with other shade lovers that emerge later in spring to hide the Arum foliage as it begins to fade.

Grows well with

Hosta · They share similar shade and moisture requirements.
Ferns · The textures contrast beautifully in a woodland setting.

Similar species

Arum maculatum · It is a close relative with similar growth habits.

Science

Family: Araceae
Genus: Arum
Order: Alismatales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Mediterranean region and parts of Western Europe.
Conservation: This plant is not of conservation concern and is considered invasive in some regions.

It thrives in woodland understories where it takes advantage of winter light before the tree canopy fills in.

Value to wildlife: attracts specialized pollinators
Pollinators: beetles
Uses: woodland gardens, shade borders, winter interest

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 1/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 3/9
Temperature: 5/9
Moisture: 6/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Is it invasive?: Yes, it can spread aggressively by seed in some climates.
Does it need sun?: It prefers partial to full shade.

Where the name comes from

The name Arum is an ancient Greek term for this plant, while italicum refers to its native Italian range.

Good to know

The leaves emerge in autumn and persist through winter.
The berries are often the only bright color in the garden during late summer.
It is sometimes called Lords and Ladies.

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This guide was generated with AI on October 19, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.