Friar's cowl
Arisarum vulgare · Araceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant friar's cowl: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, disappears in summer
- Flowering
- February to April
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm height
- Growth
- Slow
- Hardiness
- Hardy down to -10 °C
- Origin
- Mediterranean and North Africa
- Soil type
- Well-drained, light, slightly humus-rich
Care
Watering
Keep the soil moist during the growing period (autumn-winter-spring). Drastically reduce watering in summer when the plant goes dormant. In pots, let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Absolutely avoid stagnant water which causes tuber rot.
Light Exposure
Prefer partial shade or dappled light. Arisarum vulgare tolerates shaded locations well, typical of its Mediterranean habitat beneath shrubs. Avoid direct sun in very hot climates.
Soil and Substrate
Prepare light, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. In pots, use a specific mix for tuber or bulb plants (potting soil + perlite + sand). Good drainage is essential: poor drainage leads to tuber rot.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced or slightly potassium-rich fertilizer at the start of the growing season (September-October). Light feeding is sufficient as the plant has modest needs. Stop all fertilizer once the plant enters summer dormancy.
Pruning and Cleanup
No strict pruning is necessary. Simply remove dead or damaged foliage as needed. After natural foliage withering in summer, let the tuber rest in place or store the pot in a dry location.
Diseases and Pests
Very hardy against pests. The main danger remains excessive moisture and tuber rot. Indoors or in poorly drained pots, fungal rot may occur. Ventilate regularly and respect dry rest periods in summer to prevent any problems.
Did you know?
The monk's hood owes its common name to the singular shape of its spathe, which curls into a characteristic hood resembling a monk's cowl. Long ago, Arisarum tubers were consumed in certain Mediterranean regions after cooking, though they were scarcely nutritious: a food practice that has virtually disappeared today.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.