ARISAEMA
Many of you are probably familiar with our native Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum), but are you aware that there are many relatives from around the world, some of whom are incredibly exotic looking and most of whom are perfectly hardy in temperate gardens? Plants don't get much more exotic than Arisaema griffithii, one that is not hardy in colder zones, unfortunately.
I've grown the native "Jack" ever since I started my current USDA zone 7 garden. Actually, they were here before me because they are found all over our woodland. I've moved them into my garden areas where they have settled down and multiplied. I've also grown them from seed and found them very easy. Some of their exotic relatives are a bit more tricky from seed, requiring soaking and other diddling about. This may be because most seed from these species has been dry stored for some time. I planted seed from my Jacks when it was fresh. When and if my new plants set seed, I mean to do some experimenting to see if fresh seed makes a difference.
All Arisaema are members of the Araceae family. Their "flower" is actually called a spathe. The 'Jack' is the spadix, which can be either male or female on the same plant, depending on the age of the plant and the size of the bulb or corm. I recently learned this interesting fact as well as more about all aspects of growing Arisaema by joining The Arisaema Enthusiasts Group (AEG) which sponsors an internet mailing list called Arisaema-L. If you are interested in joining -- it's free -- email Ray Stillwell for more information. Roy Herold's The Arisaema Page, has photos of many species; hardiness ratings; sources; identification keys; a bibliography and the Arisaema List, possibly the most complete list of arisaema species ever assembled in one place. If you want to try Arisaema or you already love them, this is a web page you have got to visit.
These are perfect plants for the shady garden, preferring dappled shade and woodland conditions, in soil that drains well but does not dry out. Alan Bickell notes on his Arisaema Pages that some are found in pond areas, growing practically on the surface of the soil where the ground is saturated and up to 4 inches (12 cm) below the ground where it is not. His page is well worth a visit. It has photos illustrating some of the variations of Arisaema triphyllum and their natural habitats in Ontario, Canada along with good information about the common variations in this species.
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