MORE ABOUT ARUM LILIES
What's in a name? This plant is most probably named after Prof Zantedeschi, an Italian physician and botanist. In classical times, the word aethiopica was used to refer to the regions 'south of the known world', i.e. south of Egypt and Libya. | |
| white arum lily {Zantedeschia aethiopica} |
In the Garden The faintly scented flowers attract a multitude of crawling insects and bees, which pollinate the flowers in exchange for food, each one in its own way. The white crab spider, for instance, visits the flower to eat the insects. It does not spin webs, but makes good use of its paleness as an effective camouflage in the spathe. The tiny arum lily frog also uses the arum as an easy ambush to catch unsuspecting insects. Porcupines are crazy about the large rhizomes and will savagely destroy whole colonies of arum lilies. The good thing is that thanks to this brutal pruning, the plants regenerate fresher than ever with the most amazing flowers. It's worth the massacre! | |
| [ZZZ_Photo03-120] | In traditional healing The leaves of the white arum lily are used to relieve headaches. They can also be used as a poultice: heat the leaves and apply as a plaster to wounds, boils and sores. Did you know? The lush green leaves grow taller if the arum lily is planted in the shade. |
Decoration
The cut flower is long lasting.
The white arum lily is a symbol of purity and is used for bridal bouquets.
Toxic
The arum lily is toxic and causes swelling of the throat when ingested.
Gardening tips from Richard Arms, Vergelegen's horticulturist
- Arum lilies are easy to grow. They are perennial and flower from winter till summer.
- They like lots of water, are drought resistant, enjoy full sun, but prefer semi-shade if there is no permanent water. Arum lilies like riche, well-drained soil and thrive along streams, edges and near ponds.
- The plants grow to 1.5 m and tolerate wind and light frost. They can be used as a firebreak.
- Propagate from seed or by division.
Special Tip: Water abundantly during the growing season.
Plant one near a tap as a screen.
