Amorphophallus are exotic plants in the aroid family, which includes popular woodland garden perennials such as arisaema (jack-in-the-pulpit) and dracunculus. The name amorphophallus comes from the Latin amorpho (deformed) and phallus (a male anatomical member)...in other words, the flower resembles a deformed male sex organ...I'm not making this up. While several amorphophallus have proven to be winter-hardy, flowering shade plants for us (e.g., Amorphophallus konjac), others are grown as potted curiosities (e.g., Amorphophallus atroviridis).
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Each amorphophallus tuber produces one inflorescence, some of which can get quite large...i.e., Amorphophallus titanum. The flowers are renowned for their odor, which attracts flies for shady sexual purposes. The odor, which in some species is quite noticeable for about a half day, is the basis for great storytelling. After flowering, each amorphophallus tuber will rest for at least a month (or occasionally an entire year) before producing a single, deer-resistant leaf.
Larger tubers will keep their foliage longer into the season than smaller ones, due to the large amount of energy required to support this oversized shade garden plant. In the garden, we recommend planting the amorphophallus tuber so that its top is 4-6" below the soil surface...slightly deeper in colder climates. When amorphophallus tubers get large, they tend to form a cup that holds water...bad in areas with cold winter rains. To prevent rot we recommend you dig your amorphophallus after it has gone dormant in late summer and turn it sideways so that water does not collect in the winter. Old tubers die and regenerate each season, so keep the foliage healthy and growing.
In places where they are not hardy perennials, amorphophallus can be brought in for the winter. Some amorphophallus tubers can be stored dry while others must remain potted (see individual descriptions). While the flowers may be produced in early spring, amorphophallus foliage rarely sprouts before mid- to late June, so don't panic when you don't see any signs of life in early spring.
Plant Delights Nursery has one of the best collections of Amorphophallus for sale in the United States. When you are ready to buy amorphophallus for your garden or container, we hope you will check out our list of amorphophallus for sale below.
Since 1988, Plant Delights Nursery has been the choice of serious gardeners and plant collectors looking for the best and rarest perennial plants. We are pleased to have received the Perennial Plant Association Retail Award in 2011, the American Horticulture Society Commercial Award in 2002, and to have been selected as one of the Best Mail Order Plant Sources - Garden Design Magazine 2010. Welcome to our family of plant lovers!
Amorphophallus albus is a little-known but easy-to-grow voodoo lily, native to the Yunnan Province of China. The stalks of Amorphophallus albus are either solid green or green with grey spots, and topped with a glossy green leaf. Amorphophallus albus is a rapidly offsetting species that forms a nice 2' wide patch (in 5 years) in the woodland garden. In spring, just as the leaf emerges, it is joined by a 1' tall flower stalk with a 6-8" tall flower perched atop. Each flower resembles a large ivory shell showcasing a white, cigar-like appendage...green at the tip and white at the base. For a raucous time in the garden, try interplanting with Alstroemeria 'Princess Monica'! Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
Amorphophallus ankarana hails from Madagascar, where it forms a 2' tall, dark purple splotched stalk. The inflorescence is a white cup with a long pointed tip, adorned with a long purple spadix. Amorphophallus ankarana 'Fine Wine' is a 2013 Plant Delights Nursery introduction. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
Amorphophallus arcuspadix is a new (2012) species of Amorphophallus from an Alan Galloway discovery in Bolikhamxay Province, Laos, where it was growing in shaded areas among limestone boulders. Amorphophallus arcuspadix is closely related to Amorphophallus verticillatus. The 1' tall stalks, which are topped with typical amorphophallus foliage, multiply by stoloniferous offsets to form a small colony of stalks. The stalks of white inflorescences strongly resemble Amorphophallus verticillatus, except for the strongly arched spadix. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
(aka: Amorphophallus asterostigmatus AGA-2004D3) It was fascinating to see this rare species in situ (a fancy botanic word meaning where it grows naturally) in the Lop Buri region of Thailand. In the wild, Amorphophallus asterostigmatus is usually wedged tightly between large boulders where drainage is good and soil is at a minimum. The offsetting rhizomes produce 18" tall, gorgeous tan/pink stems, usually highlighted with black spots. The white spathe and spadix sit atop a 1' tall stalk. We think Amorphophallus asterostigmatus 'Superspot' makes a superb manageable-sized container specimen where it is not winter hardy. Amorphophallus asterostigmatus 'Superspot' is a fast-offsetting, 26" tall clone that we selected from an Alan Galloway seedling collection as having the largest dark cinnamon spots. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
This stunningly beautiful Amorphophallus atroviridis is found on rocky cliffs in north central Thailand around the town of Sara Buri. The 18" tall, reddish brown (often speckled) stalks are topped with wide-lobed, black leaves, surrounded by a bright red border. The summer-borne inflorescence sits atop a short flowering stalk and resembles a small pink cup that holds a well-sized spare part for a urology transplant. Thanks to amorphophallus guru, Alan Galloway, for making this offer possible. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
Our Plant Delights Nursery selection, Amorphophallus atroviridis 'Grey Expectations', has an unusual grey petiole color with lighter grey lichen-like patches along the stalk. A Thailand native species from near the town of Sara Buri, Amorphophallus atroviridis 'Grey Expectations' is slightly shorter than typical of the species, but with the same lovely near black leaf, edged in red. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
This amazing cinnamon-red petioled form is our collection from near Lop Buri, Thailand in 2005. The foliage is the typical black leaf with a red border...this Plant Delights Introduction is quite stunning. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
Amorphophallus atroviridis 'Pewterware' is a Plant Delights selection of the north central Thailand species that typically has black foliage. The foliage on Amorphophallus 'Pewterware' is, as you can no doubt surmise, pewter, surrounded by a narrow red edge. The 1' tall stalks are speckled reddish brown. The summer-borne inflorescence sits atop a short flowering stalk and resembles a small pink cup that holds a well-sized spadix. This is a very limited offering. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
(aka: Amorphophallus atroviridis PDN009) Amorphophallus atroviridis 'Thai Hot Spot' is a 2012 Plant Delights Nursery release...our collection of Amorphophallus atroviridis from a Buddhist monastery (with permission) in Thailand's Lop Buri Province in 2002. The 18" tall stalks of this clone were a particularly attractive cinnamon with large peach-colored spots. The leaves are a typical near-black with a faint red edge. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
Over the years, we have noticed a dramatic difference in the quantity of leaf bulbils produced by different clones of Amorphophallus bulbifer. We selected the most prolific producer of bulbils and christened it Amorphophallus 'Old Warty'. When the tubers are large enough, this aroid produces the prototypical 15" tall, phallic pink flowers near ground level in early to mid-June. The leaves of Amorphophallus bulbifer 'Old Warty', which arise in late June (don't call us in May), are held atop 4' tall stalks laden with intercalary (between the leaf segments) bulbils in August and September. You'll have so many bulbils, you can share them with your friends or pass them out to the trick-or-treaters you don't want to return...just kidding. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
Amorphophallus crispifolius is a recently published (2012), species discovered by NC plantsman Alan Galloway on an expedition in Khammouane Province, Laos. Amorphophallus crispifolius is a small species that emerges from a long finger-like tuber. The 10" tall stalks are topped with a green amorphophallus-like leaf with very serrate (crispy) edges. The inflorescences are like white snow-cones revealing a well-endowed fleshy pink spadix with a white head...send yours to school with your kids for show and tell. If your Amorphophallus crispifolius is able to successfully mate, you'll be rewarded with a stalk of lovely cobalt blue berries. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
Amorphophallus declinatus is a little-known species, discovered by plant explorer Mary Sizemore in Palawan, Philippines. In form, Amorphophallus declinatus resembles Amorphophallus konjac. The 4' tall rough-feeling stalks are dark, but highlighted with large silvery blotches. The inflorescences are quite spectacular with a large pitcher (spathe) that is mottled grey, while the top of the spathe is a nice purple-red, complementing the long purple spadix. The front of the spathe drapes (i.e., declinatus = declines) around the spadix in a less than effective attempt at modesty. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
(aka: Amorphophallus odoratus) Similar to Amorphophallus yunnanensis, Amorphophallus dunnii boasts a peculiar flower stalk that reaches 2' tall, topped with an 8-10" ice cream cone-like flower. The vase (spathe) looks like a green and white speckled cone with a "zipped-open" front...for better exposure. The creamy white, bulbous sexual appendage (spadix) sits like a...well, you know...a sexual appendage inside the red-bottomed spathe. According to amorphophallus guru Wilbert Hetterscheid, the inflorescence of Amorphophallus dunnii smells of fresh carrots, but then who could trust Wilbert's nose after smelling so many amorphophallus? The 2' tall speckled stalk is topped in summer with typical amorphophallus foliage. Amorphophallus dunnii is a fast-offsetting species is an easy one for beginners. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
(aka: Amorphophallus sp. AGA -872B/PDN001) Amorphophallus fuscus comes via an Alan Galloway expedition to Northern Thailand. Amorphophallus fuscus closely resembles Amorphophallus krausei with 2' tall grey/tan stalks adorned with large brown/black blotches. The flowers, also held on 2' tall flower stalks are topped with a creamy white cup...brown on the outside and holding an erect white spadix inside. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
(Amorphophallus harmandii AGA-805) This Alan Galloway collection of Amorphophallus harmandii comes from Lop Buri, Thailand. Amorphophallus harmandii 'Lop Buri' is taller than the other forms we grow, with petioles that reach 2' tall. Additionally the leaves are glaucous, compared to the more typical green. This is not the same species as Pseudodracontium harmandii, which we feel is mistakenly combined with the genus amorphophallus. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
From Taiwan comes this amazingly hardy dwarf voodoo lily. In flower, expect a spathe that resembles one of those '60s vinyl lawn chairs with ruffled edges, while emerging from the center is a spadix that...well, even Bob Dole could be proud of. The spadix of Amorphophallus henryi emerges looking like a giant purple carrot that later develops a bad case of acne before it goes limp. After flowering, and if it had really good sex, you'll soon enjoy seeing the 1' tall spike of dark blue berries. Once the tuber has rested from the flowering episode, expect a 2' tall, speckled green petiole with white blotches to arise, topped by a giant divided leaf. Amorphophallus henryi is one of the most prolific offsetting species we grow, so there'll be plenty to share with your equally demented neighbors. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
Amorphophallus impressus hails from Malawi, Africa where it forms stoloniferous patches of 30" tall stalks. The inflorescences resemble Amorphophallus henryi with the classic phallic spadix emerging from what appears to be a red toilet seat. This particular clone has a darker brown stalk than what we find is typical. Amorphophallus impressus must be kept dry in dormant months. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
Amorphophallus kiusianus has proven to be one of the most durable and hardiest of the Amorphophallus species, rivaling Amorphophallus konjac. In early spring, the 3' tall green- and white-speckled flower stalk is topped with a cute 6" tall green- and white-spotted vase (that's vaaazze for you rich folks). Shooting out from the center of the vase is the spadix, like an 8" long purple-tipped spear (must not be shown to kids under 18!). After flowering and then resting for a year, a solitary 4' tall fleshy petiole emerges from the tuber, topped with a giant shredded umbrella-type leaf. Although the tuber offsets slowly, Amorphophallus kiusianus is one of the few self-fertile amorphophallus species (it can have both sex and babies without a partner). Our plants are probably 2-3 years away from flowering size. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
(formerly Amorphophallus or Hydrosme rivieri) This unusual hardy tuberous aroid has one giant divided leaf on top of a 5-6' tall, green and purple mottled, fleshy stalk (petiole). When old enough, the tuber produces a fascinating 5' flower (early May, before the leaf emerges), resembling a giant vase made from the purple vinyl used for cheap '70s car seats. The vase (spathe) is home to a 3' purple spadix that sits atop a 2' speckled petiole...gather your neighbors for the fragrant flowering ritual. After flowering, the plant may rest for months before the leaf emerges in late June. The mother tuber will form offsets, eventually making a giant clump...very exotic and unusual! Amorphophallus konjac has long been prized medicinally for its weight loss properties and is now used in many weight loss products. If you've ever eaten Amorphophallus konjac cooked you can easily understand why it would make you loose weight. We ship quarter-sized or larger tubers that are 3-4 years from flowering size. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
This unusual form of Amorphophallus krausei was discovered by Amorphophallus guru Wilbert Hetterscheid while on a rugged botanizing expedition to England's Kew Gardens. We have been unable to determine the origin of this clone, but the species hails from Northern Thailand, Southern China, and Burma (Myanmar). The 3' tall smooth greyish stem is highlighted by irregular black spots. In appearance, it resembles Amorphophallus asterostigmatus, topped with a glaucous leaf. The flasher-appropriate, greenish-white, 8" tall spathe partially obscures its equally long sex organ. Hetterscheid describes the flower fragrance as "reminiscent of a gas leak." We recommend a dose of Beano with every watering. Pot Size: 3.5" (24 fl. oz/709.77 ml)
