Lysichiton americanus

skunk cabbage

• Position: full sun or partial shade
• Soil: moist, fertile soil
• Rate of growth: average
• Flowering period: March and April
• Flower colour: yellow
• Other features: both the flowers and the crushed foliage have a musky smell
• Hardiness: fully hardy
  
  The spring flowerheads are wrapped in a large yellow spathe, which looks quite spectacular above the strongly veined, leathery, mid-green leaves. They are ideal for pond-side planting, bog gardens, or for areas of the boder that remain waterlogged for any length of time. As the common name of this plant suggests, the smell of the flowers and the crushed foliage is not particularly pleasant, so ideally they should be planted on the far side of the pond where they can be seen but not smelled.
  
  
• Garden care: Plant shallowly with the upper part of the rhizome sitting on the surface of the soil, incorporating a low nitrogen fertiliser in the planting hole. After planting remove the upper-most third of the leaves to minimise wind-rock. In exposed areas stake with bamboo canes in early spring. To enhance flowering divide congested clumps every three to five years.