Arum italicum has striking variegated foliage through autumn and winter. A very hardy plant for the shadiest spots in the garden. Notionally there are various forms like 'Marmoratum' and 'Pictum' but the variegation varies from plant to plant and there isn't much to choose between them.

 It's a continental relative of our native Arum maculatum which grows wild in hedgerows and woodlands in great profusion. The patterns on the lush leaves of A. italicum make it one for the garden. The leaves on A. maculatum are not as striking; plain green though some are speckled with black spots. Both have a creamy hooded flower in spring with bright red (poisonous) berries to follow.