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Arum Lily

Arum Lily
Photo: Cynthia Springvloed
Invasive Plant
Arum Lily
Zantedeschia aethiopica
 

This white lily with large spathes is widely used as a cut flower. However, this species will engulf gutters, streams, waterways and wetland bogs and is now considered a widespread environmental weed. The green form called 'Green Goddess' is also invasive and can be found clogging up natural waterways.

 

HOW IT SPREADS

  • These plants produce prolific amounts of seed that wash down gutters and streams and readily germinate. Birds and small mammals also disperse the seeds through their droppings.
  • These plants produce several small rhizomes (roots) that are easily spread in contaminated soil. Any moist soil will be quickly infiltrated.
 

Although these are popular cut flowers, the use of this plant must be discouraged for the home garden. Its spread must be stopped.

 
 
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Other suggested alternatives are the Day Lily (Hemerocallis species and hybrids) and Philodendron 'Xanadu'.

 

Alternative Plants

New Zealand Rock Lily
Photo: © immij pty ltd
Alternative Plant New Zealand Rock Lily
Arthropodium cirrhatum 'Matapouri Bay'
Bulbous Plants
 

This evergreen clump forming lily produces panicles of creamy-white star-shaped flowers during mid-summer. 'Matapouri Bay' is a selected cultivar of the New Zealand Rock Lily and will grow to 1 m high. It is ideal as a container plant or mass planted along a low wall or border for dramatic effect. Prefers full-sun to part-shade and thrives in a wide range of soils.

Swamp Lily
Photo: Lorna Rose
Alternative Plant Swamp Lily
Crinum pedunculatum
Trees and Shrubs
 

This Australian native plan has rosettes of broad leaves and clusters of white, highly fragrant flowers on 1 m stems. Flowers appear from November to March. An extremely hardy specimen, it thrives in full-sun or dappled shade. It is mildly frost tolerant and can withstand poor drainage and clay soils.

Tasmanian Flax Lily
Photo: Macbird Floraprint
Alternative Plant Tasmanian Flax Lily
Dianella tasmanica
Grasses
 

A popular and hardy evergreen perennial plant with arching, strappy foliage up to 1.2 m long. During spring and summer there are masses of nodding, star-shaped, bright blue to purple flowers which are followed by glossy, deep blue berries. It thrives in a sunny to partly shaded positions in a range of soils. Grows well in rockeries, gardens and containers. There are many hybrid Dianellas that are worth considering in your garden. Seek advice from your local garden centre.

 
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