This fascinatingly beautiful native perennial is perfect for damp soil conditions.
Jack-in-the-pulpit is a spring ephemeral.
It blooms, then disappears for the summer.
Credit: Rob Cardillo
As the flowers fade, the plant produces a cluster of red berries mid to late summer.
The plant is toxic to humans and pets.
In suitable conditions in a shade or woodland garden, Jack-in-the-pulpit naturalizes and forms small clusters.
Credit: Rob Cardillo
For the best effect, plant it in a grouping.
Nurseries often sell the corms bare-root.
Fill the hole with original soil.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Space the plants 6 inches apart for a dense grouping and up to 12 inches apart for accent plants.
Keep it well-watered after planting.
If you have a suitable location, the actual care for the plant is minimal.
Credit: Jacob Fox
Light
Jack-in-the-pulpit is a shade plant that needs part to full shade.
To create this habitat for Jack-in-the-pulpit in your garden, amend the soil withcompostand an acidic fertilizer if needed.
The soil should have a pH between 5.0 and 6.0,Do a soil testbefore acidifying the soil.
Credit: Justin Hancock
Temperature and Humidity
The plant is winter-hardy down to Zone 4.
For winter protection, cover the plants with a thick layer of leaves.
Jack-in-the-pulpit needs damp, humid conditions and will do poorly in hot, dry climates.
If the soil lacks nutrients, use afertilizerfor acid-loving plants such as azaleas and hydrangeas.
Pruning
Once they have bloomed and stored enough energy for next year, the foliage dies back.
Dont cut the dead foliage back but let it disintegrate naturally.
Pests and Problems
Slugsare the main problem.
After the plants have entered dormancy in the fall, dig up the entire root clump with a shovel.
Unlike its sun-loving cousins, it flourishes in partially shaded garden sites.
It grows 1 foot tall.
Zones 4-8
Solomon’s Seal
With its arching stems,Solomon’s seal(Polygonatumspp.)
adds an architectural component to shaded garden beds.
In the spring, the stems are lined with small, bell-shaped, white blooms.
Once they’re established, they’re able to survive short droughts fairly well.
For example,Arisaema sikokianumis a Japanese species.
It is a large plant, growing up to 30 inches tall.
The plant spreads and forms colonies but it does it slowly.
Jack-in-the-pulpit is a long-lived perennial with a lifespan of 25 years or more.
Updated by Nadia Hassani
“Jack-in-the-Pulpit.“ASPCA.
“North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension.
