How to grow
Arums thrive in moist shade, but also naturalise well under trees and shrubs and in deep, dry shade.
They clump up quickly and often produce self-sown seedlings. I like to grow mine in the drier soil at the base of trees and shrubs so that I can check the spread.
The mature foliage of the arum is beloved of flower arrangers, although be aware that the berries are poisonous.
Suppliers
Arum plants are available from the Beth Chatto Gardens, Elmstead Market, Colchester, Essex (01206 822007; www.bethchatto.co.uk) and Perryhill Nurseries, Hartfield, East Sussex (01892 770377; www.perryhillnurseries.co.uk), both of which offer mail order.
Alternatively, at this time of year, they can be planted as bulbs. Try Avon Bulbs (01460 242177; www.avonbulbs.co.uk) or Jacques Armand (020-8420 7110).
