Description

Arum italicum, commonly known as Italian arum or Lords-and-Ladies, is a distinctive perennial valued for its ornamental marbled foliage that emerges in autumn and lasts through winter  and is ideal for adding texture to shady Irish borders. In spring, it produces creamy-white hooded flowers (spathes) followed by dramatic spikes of orange-red berries in late summer.

While not a primary pollinator plant, Arum italicum supports flies and beetles that play a niche role in ecological planting schemes. It thrives in woodland-style gardens, under trees, or in shaded areas with moist, humus-rich soil. This makes it an excellent groundcover choice for naturalistic schemes, woodland plantings, and institutional landscaping projects seeking year-round interest with minimal upkeep.

Pair it with early spring bulbs like Galanthus nivalis, Erythronium Pagoda, or Scilla siberica, which flower before the arum’s foliage fully matures, creating a layered seasonal effect. Its striking winter presence also contrasts well with evergreen ferns and Cyclamen hederifolium.