a very sad day

[George R Stilwell, Jr.]

MJ,

You didn't report on A. sikokianum.  Are they healthy?  If not, I can
help you out.

Wetness during dormancy is hard on most Arisaema. Native types (US) seem
to handle it much better than most. Our soil, and I use the term loosely,
is heavy clay but on a slope. Raised beds of organic material mixed with
sand or Turface and retained on the down-hill side with dry-stacked rock
walls keeps the moisture at reasonable levels even when we get monsoon
rains. Most Arisaema seem happy under these conditions. Rotting corms are
a dead giveaway for too wet conditions.

The garden was in deep shade from oak trees until hurricane Fran. Now
there's much more sunlight but still considerable shade. The difference
is enough that I have to fight grassy weeds for the first time. Still, I
see little difference in Arisaema and Pinellia growth. Zantedeschia, on
the other hand, have bloomed their hearts out with the best growth we've
seen ever.

I do have trouble with A. flavum however. I've never been able to keep it
from winterkill even in our mild winters. While Roy and others grow it in
much colder conditions. I've tried it in the raised beds, in the clay, in
the sun, and in the shade. I've tried all three subspecies. All die in
the winter. So I share your frustration at least where this species is
concerned.

I think it is not unusual to loose Arisaema in the winter until you get
the growing conditions established properly. Read Jim McClements 3/11/97
posting on raised Turface/Leaf beds. They may be the answer to your
prayers.

Ray
<GRSJr at Juno.com>