Arisema sikokianum
You have to know the conditions of the rest of the place to
understand what someone means by a 'well-drained dry site'. When I
visited Plant Delights I discussed my lack of success at growing jack
in the pulpit - Arisaema triphyllum, which is native to the Eastern
U.S. Tony Avent showed me where his were growing - in a low swampy
area. Compared to that, the A. sikokianums prefer something drier.
I have a sandy-soiled garden on a hill where the wells always went
dry during the summer and people would haul water from a nearby lake.
The only arisaema that grows well for me is A. flavum, the dwarf
plant with little yellow flowers that look like owls. It is native
to the dry side of the Himalayas, whereas all (or most) of the others
come from the summer monsoon area and are used to lots of summer
water.
I am growing lots of arisaemas from seed and will try them in various
places in the garden, with amended soil and summer watering (dumping
the dishwater on them, as we have severe water restrictions beginning
in April).
Arisaemas are expensive, so if you are going to be buying one, I
wouldn't put it under the maple tree to begin with. I'd put it in
your very best conditions to see how it does. Then when it makes
offsets, plant them in some other places in your garden, including
one under the maple.
Diane Whitehead Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
zone 8, Sunset zone 5, cool mediterranean climate (rainy winter, dry summer)
