Arthropodium cirratum

renga lily
Clumps of soft, arching strappy leaves add a lush backdrop to the garden. Summer brings the bonus of two foot tall flower spikes with many sparkling star white blossoms. Coastal champion.
Arthropodium cirratum
synonyms Arthropodium cirrhatum
height 1–3ft
width 1–2ft
tolerates Coast, Cool Summers, Fog, Salt, Wind
water
needs		 Low – Moderate
water
info		 This plant is drought tolerant when grown in the shade near the coast, needing a deep watering every 1 to 2 weeks during dry months. If grown inland, away from fog drip, this plant needs more regular waterings, once or twice a week.
hardy
to		 15F
exposure Part Sun – Full Sun
indoor
outdoor		 Outdoor
drainage In Ground: Planting Mix, In Pots: Potting Soil, Tolerates Heavy Soil, Tolerates Sandy Soil
fertilizing All Purpose
origin New Zealand
california
native		 No
sunset
zones		 5, 6, 14–17, 20–H2

Sunset Zones Map

Outdoor Exposure Guide

Growing Notes

Appreciates at least some sun along the coast in areas with marine influence, but flips as you move inland, wanting more shade to protect it from scorching. If grown in coastal shade this plant becomes significantly more drought tolerant.
Doesn’t do well when you push into inland areas with prevailing dry desert air and very low humidity.
While this plant is quite hardy, the foliage will die back with a hard frost, recovering from rhizomes quickly when spring warmth returns. It can also be pruned back hard in late winter to keep it tidy.
Unfortunately snails and slugs love this plant. Mulch with corse bark and try to keep it on the drier side to prevent this unsightly damage.
In colder zones adding a thick layer of mulch will help this plant overwinter.

Special Interest

This plant may have been farmed by the Maori of New Zealand as it is often found near old homesteads and the rhizomes are edible.