How to Grow Lords and Ladies
Arum maculatum
Lords and Ladies is a hardy tuberous perennial for shaded woodland gardens. Plant tubers in autumn in moist, humus-rich soil under trees or in a north-facing border. Leaves emerge in autumn, the hooded pale-green spathe and purple spadix appear in spring, then the plant goes dormant after the spike of bright red berries ripens in late summer. All parts are highly toxic — wear gloves when handling and keep children and pets away. It self-seeds freely; remove berries if you want to limit spread.
Yearly Lifecycle
Watch For
- Vine weevil grubs on tubers
- Slugs on emerging leaves
- Grey mould (Botrytis) in wet conditions
Pet Safety
Care Requirements
Light
Shade to partial shade
Thrives in dappled shade under deciduous trees or in north-facing borders. Tolerates deep shade but flowers best with some indirect light in spring.
Watering
Moist but well-drained soil
Needs consistently moist, humus-rich soil. Water in dry spells while leaves are present. Tolerates drier conditions during summer dormancy.
Fertilizing
Annual compost mulch
Top-dress with leaf mould or well-rotted compost in autumn when leaves emerge. No additional feeding needed for established plants.
Pruning
Remove spent foliage when it yellows
Cut back yellowing leaves as the plant enters summer dormancy. Wear gloves — all parts are toxic. Remove berry spikes if self-seeding is unwanted.
Spacing
25–30 cm apart
Plant tubers 10 cm deep and 25–30 cm apart. Allow for spreading via self-seeding over time in woodland conditions.
