Arthropodium spp.
Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Madagascar
Overview
Arthropodium is a genus of about a dozen rhizomatous and tuberous perennials in the asparagus family, native to the southern hemisphere. Plants form clumps of strap-shaped to grassy basal leaves 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) long, grey-green to mid-green, above fleshy roots. Branched, airy flower stems rise 12-36 inches (30-90 cm) tall and carry many small star-shaped flowers, each about 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm) across, white or sometimes pale mauve, with stamens bearing twisted, bearded filaments. A. cirratum, renga renga, has broad strap leaves and dense panicles of white flowers; A. milleflorum, pale vanilla lily, has narrow leaves and lightly fragrant lilac flowers. Flowering occurs in late spring and summer. Evergreen in mild, frost-free climates, several species die back to the root through cold or dry periods. Clumps widen slowly by short rhizomes and can be lifted and split. Foliage of A. cirratum bleaches and scorches in strong direct sun and is grazed by slugs and snails in shade.
Native Range
Native to Australia, New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Madagascar. A. cirratum grows on coastal cliffs, rocky slopes, and forest margins in New Zealand, while Australian species occur in open forest, grassland, and rocky ground.Suggested Uses
Grown as a clumping groundcover in shaded borders, under trees, and in coastal gardens, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart. Suited to containers of at least 3 gallons (11 L) that can be moved under cover in cold climates. Mass plantings cover shaded banks and dry shade beneath established trees.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
white to pale mauveFoliage Description
grey-green to mid-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plants grow in part shade to dappled light in humus-rich, well-drained soil kept moist through the growing season. A. cirratum tolerates coastal wind and salt, but its leaves scorch and pale in strong inland sun. Hard frost cuts the foliage, which regrows from the root in spring in zones 9-10, while colder zones need lifting or container culture moved under cover. Slugs and snails graze emerging leaves in damp shade. Old clumps are lifted and divided in spring every 3-4 years. Plants tolerate dry shade once established but flower less in deep shade.Pruning
Spent flower stems are cut to the base after bloom, and frost-damaged or tattered leaves are trimmed in spring as new growth begins. No other pruning is required. Self-sown seedlings can be lifted to limit spread.Pruning Schedule
springsummer
Container Growing
Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons