Italian Arum 'Miss Janay Hall'

'Miss Janay Hall' is an ornamental selection of Italian Arum particularly valued for its striking winter foliage. Unlike many plants, its tubers produce leaves in autumn that remain vibrant throughout the UK winter. These arrow-shaped leaves are a deep, glossy green with dramatic, creamy-white veining and marbling. In late spring, it produces pale green spathes (flowers), followed by spikes of vivid orange-red berries in late summer, which appear as the foliage dies back. Reaching about 30-40cm, it is a superb plant for providing groundcover and interest in dry, shaded areas where few other plants thrive. It is fully hardy (H6) and very easy to grow. Note that all parts of the plant are toxic and can cause skin irritation, so it should be handled with care. It is an excellent choice for a woodland garden or for brightening up a north-facing border during the winter months. It spreads slowly by tiny offsets from the main tuber.

Sun: Partial shade to full shade.

Soil: Moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil.

Hardiness: H6 — down to −20°C.

Flowering: Apr, May.