Re: Arisema sikokianum (and others) under maple trees?

Well, I have my one mature specimen of a. sikokianum in a bed that is
within the root zone of a maple I have yet to positively ID (maybe
8-10' from the trunk).  It seems to be doing fine....been there about
3 or 4 years.  I also have a lot of other plants in this border,
including Hosta.  All do well with regular extra water in summer.  A
few years ago, I did a series of articles about planting under trees
and at least one was about this particular bed - may have been more
than that....think it was early on in the series; might have been the
first couple of articles...can't remember:-)   Check out my index of
articles and look under 'In Marge's Garden'...think that's where I
listed those...if you're interested in finding out which other plants
I'm growing under that maple:
http://mtalt.hort.net/article-index.html

The trick to planting under maples (or any other shallow rooted
trees)  is to not try to dig down, but to add a light soil mix on
top.  6 to 8" deep and at least 3' away from the tree trunk...my bed
is only on one side of this tree, which is in a clump with a couple
of black locusts (Robinia pseudoacacia) and a dogwood (Cornus
florida).  You then plant your perennials, which have time to get
established before the maple roots invade the area - which they will.
 Periodically - like when I want to plant something else or every few
years, I go in and lift a section of everything that's growing there,
hack out the invading roots and replenish the mix.  Maple doesn't
seem to mind, just grows new roots into the new soil...been doing
this for nearly 25 years.  I mulch when I can manage and sometimes
parts of the bed get a top dressing of compost, tho' it is so thickly
planted I have to do this before things start into growth to get it
done.  Water is key, however, as the trees are greedy and suck up
every available drop.

Now back to A. sikokianum - one of the most beautiful of the hardy
members of this genus, IMO.  What it hates is winter wet.  It does
not want to be dry when in growth, but if it is too wet while
dormant, the tuber rots.  That's why it needs good drainage.  It also
tends to show its nose early in the season and can get nipped by late
frosts, so you need to keep an eye out for it and be ready to pop a
bucket over it if frost is forecast.

A. triphyllum will grow in boggy places, so I read.  I have also read
that when found in these conditions, the tuber is very close to the
soil surface, unlike when it is growing in woodland or border
conditions, when it will pull itself down quite deeply.   This
species is native to my woodland and seems to put itself in all
manner of odd spots.  My clay soil with thin layer of duff woodland
gets very dry when we have summer drought around here (too often).
If given really good soil and plenty of moisture during the growing
season, it can reach over 3' in height...if in drier or poorer soil,
it will be under 2' in height.  These also tolerate a good deal of
sun as well as growing in what seems to be almost total shade.

Any of you guys who are finding yourselves fascinated by these
strange and marvelous plants should really consider joining the AEG
(Arisaema Enthusiasts Group) and Arisaema-L mailing list.  You can
join the list without joining AEG, but if you do join AEG (which
costs only a list of what Arisaema you are growing and you don't have
to be growing any) you become eligible to participate in the seed
exchange where you will get seed for a donation of your choosing and
can have a chance to grow many species of these plants.  I have pots
and pots of babies of various species from this seed...some are now
reaching planting out size:-)

If you want information about Arisaema, check out the list archives -
they're searchable.

http://listserv.surfnet.nl/archives/arisaema-l.html

To find out about joining AEG, send email to Ray Stillwell at
GRSJr@Juno.com



Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
Editor:  Gardening in Shade
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----------
> From: John R. & Patricia A. Ball <johnrball@EROLS.COM>
>
> I was just looking through the Plant Delights catalog and see that
A.
> sikokianum "prefers a well drained dry site in the garden".  I have
a
> problem spot that gets light shade, but keeps being invaded by the
feeder
> roots of a maple.  Does anyone know if this arisema or others will
do well
> under these conditions.  The names of any other plants that will
thrive or
> at least survive there pretty well would be appreciated.   Right
now I have
> some hosta there and I don't think it's a very good place for them,
also
> hellebores, which seem to be doing pretty well.
>
> Thanks
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