Description
Peltandra undulata (accepted name Peltandra virginica), known as green arrow arum, is a bold marginal plant with long, glossy, arrow-shaped leaves. In early summer it carries narrow green spathes with wavy pale edges, followed by round green berries.
Green arrow arum at a glance
| Botanical name |
Peltandra virginica (syn. Peltandra undulata) |
| Common name |
Green arrow arum, arrow arum |
| Plant type |
Clump-forming perennial; dies back in winter |
| Height and spread |
Up to about 1 m tall, up to 50 cm wide |
| Flowers |
Narrow green spathe with a wavy pale edge, early summer, then green berries |
| Position |
Full sun or part shade |
| Soil |
Wet loam; any pH |
| Pond depth |
Up to 20 cm of water over the crown (one nursery suggests 5–10 cm) |
| Hardiness |
RHS H6 – hardy in a very cold winter (-20 to -15°C) |
| Native to |
Eastern North America (not UK native) |
Where to plant green arrow arum
- A pond shelf or basket with up to 20 cm of water over the crown
- Permanently wet soil at the pond edge
- Full sun or part shade
How to plant and care for it
Plant in an aquatic basket in spring. The RHS calls it vigorous and says it may need regular division in small gardens. It is generally free of pests and diseases.
Is it poisonous?
Yes. The leaves contain calcium oxalate and are toxic raw, so do not eat any part of it and keep pets away.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
