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You can get rid of arum lilies by digging them out completely or by using targeted herbicides, but persistence is key because these tough plants love to regrow.
Getting rid of arum lilies takes a bit of elbow grease, but it’s totally doable if you know what you’re up against.
Whether you’re dealing with a few stray plants or a full invasion, the methods below will help you banish these beauties for good.
In this post, we’ll break down exactly how to get rid of arum lilies, why they’re so stubborn, and the best tricks to keep them from coming back.
Let’s dive in and reclaim your garden.
How to Get Rid of Arum Lilies: The Core Methods
The best way to get rid of arum lilies depends on how many you have and where they’re growing.
Here’s the honest truth: you can’t just pull the leaves and call it a day.
Arum lilies store energy in thick, fleshy rhizomes (underground stems), so if you leave any piece behind, a new plant will pop up.
That’s why the most reliable way to get rid of arum lilies is to remove every single bit of the underground growth.
Let’s look at your options in detail.
1. Manual Removal: Digging Out the Rhizomes
When you want to get rid of arum lilies from a small area, grab a sturdy spade or garden fork.
Start by watering the soil around the plants a day before you dig.
This softens the ground and makes the rhizomes easier to pull out whole.
Dig a few inches away from the base of the plant to avoid slicing through the roots.
Lift the plant gently, and then work your fingers through the soil to find the rhizome.
The rhizome looks like a thick, fleshy root that can be quite long.
You must remove the entire rhizome and any small offshoots, or you’ll be back to square one in a few weeks.
Shake off the soil, place all the plant material in a bag, and dispose of it in your trash rather than your compost bin.
This is one of the most thorough ways to get rid of arum lilies, but it’s also the most labor-intensive.
2. Smothering: Cutting Off Light and Air
If you have a large patch and want to get rid of arum lilies without digging for hours, smothering is a great option.
This method works by blocking sunlight, which eventually starves the rhizomes of energy.
First, cut the arum lilies down to ground level.
Next, cover the area with a thick layer of cardboard or several layers of newspaper.
Then, add a heavy layer of mulch, like wood chips or compost, on top of that.
The key is making this barrier thick enough to block all light.
Check the area every few weeks and pull up any shoots that manage to push through.
After a season or two, you’ll find it much easier to get rid of arum lilies when you finally dig them up, because the rhizomes will be weak.
3. Chemical Control: Using Herbicides Safely
For a really stubborn infestation, a systemic herbicide can be a practical way to get rid of arum lilies.
Choose a product containing glyphosate, which is a non-selective weed killer that travels down to the roots.
The best time to apply is in late summer or early autumn when the plants are sending energy back down to their rhizomes.
This makes the herbicide more effective because the plant is actively pulling in nutrients.
Wait for a dry, calm day to spray, and be sure to avoid getting the spray on any plants you want to keep.
You can also use a brush-on application method where you paint the herbicide onto the cut stems, which minimizes drift and is safer for nearby plants.
It may take a few applications to fully get rid of arum lilies, so don’t get discouraged if you see new growth.
Why Getting Rid of Arum Lilies Is So Tricky
You might be wondering why it’s such a battle to get rid of arum lilies in the first place.
These plants are naturally equipped to survive tough conditions, and they have a few tricks up their sleeves.
1. They Spread by Seed and Rhizome
Arum lilies don’t just multiply underground.
They also produce bright orange-red berries filled with seeds after they flower.
Birds love these berries and will happily drop the seeds far away from your garden.
So even if you dig up every rhizome, new plants can still sprout from seeds left in the soil.
This is why you need to remove the spent flower heads before they form berries if you want to get rid of arum lilies effectively.
2. They Thrive in Moist, Shady Spots
Arum lilies absolutely love wet, boggy soil and partial shade.
If you have an area like this in your yard, you’ll find it’s a paradise for them.
To get rid of arum lilies in these conditions, you might also need to improve drainage.
By making the environment less appealing, you make it harder for them to bounce back.
Natural and Organic Ways to Get Rid of Arum Lilies
If you prefer to avoid chemicals, there are a few organic tricks you can try.
These methods take patience, but they can be very effective over time.
1. Boiling Water Treatment
This is a simple, old-school method that works well for small clumps.
Pour a generous amount of boiling water directly over the leaves and the base of the plant.
The heat will shock the plant and cause the top growth to collapse.
You’ll still need to dig up the rhizomes later.
But this can weaken them enough to make the job easier and help you get rid of arum lilies faster.
2. Vinegar Solution Spray
You can make a DIY herbicide using household vinegar with a high acetic acid content.
Mix one part vinegar with two parts water and add a few drops of dish soap to help it stick to the leaves.
Spray this mixture on a sunny day, and it will desiccate the foliage.
This won’t kill the rhizomes, but it will stress the plant, making it easier to manage.
Again, the key is to combine this with manual digging to truly get rid of arum lilies.
How to Dispose of Arum Lilies Properly
Once you’ve managed to get rid of arum lilies, you need to dispose of them correctly.
Do not put them in your compost pile, as rhizome pieces and seeds can easily survive and spread.
Instead, place them in a heavy-duty trash bag and seal it tightly.
You can also dry them out in the sun for a few days before bagging them.
If you’re using chemicals, always follow the label instructions for safe disposal.
So, How Do You Get Rid of Arum Lilies for Good?
The most reliable way to get rid of arum lilies is to combine several methods, rather than relying on just one.
Start by cutting down the foliage and removing any berries.
Then, dig out the rhizomes as thoroughly as you can.
If new growth appears, spot-treat it with herbicide or boiling water.
You can get rid of arum lilies completely, but it might take a full growing season of vigilance.
Keep checking the area regularly, and pull or spray any new shoots as soon as you see them.
Stay patient and persistent, and soon your garden will be free of these persistent beauties for good.