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Dracunculus vulgaris (Dragon arum)

Other names: Dragonwort, Stink lily, Brook leek, Dragon's female, Edderwort, Faverole, Indian turnip, Snake plant, Arum dracunculus

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Species
D. vulgaris is a tender, upright, tuberous perennial bearing dark green leaves with purple-brown markings. Foul-smelling, maroon-purple spathes with near black spadices bloom above the leaves in spring or summer.
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Season of interest

Flower

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Flower

Foliage

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Foliage
Height and spread

Height and spread

Size Max height Max spread To maturity
1.5 m 0.6 m 2-5 years
4 ft 1 ft 2-5 years

Where to grow

Soil type
  • Chalky
  • Loamy
  • Sandy
Soil drainage
  • Moist but well-drained
  • Well-drained
Soil pH
  • Acid
  • Alkaline
  • Neutral
Sunlight
  • Partial Shade
  • Full Sun
Aspect
  • East
  • West
  • South
  • North
Exposure
  • Sheltered

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Additional plant details

Cultivation

Plant tubers 15cm deep in autumn or spring in humus-rich, well-drained soil that dries out in summer. Grows best in full sun but will tolerate partial shade. Protect with a thick mulch in winter.

Suggested uses

Flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Cottage/Informal, Underplanting

UK hardiness

H3

USDA zones

Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10

Sunset zone

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Low
Central Valley = Very Low
South Coastal = Low
South Inland = Low
High and Intermediate Desert = Unknown
Low Desert = Unknown

Foliage

Semi-evergreen

Habit

Upright

Native to

Mediterranean

Drought tolerant

No

Flood tolerant

No

Fragrance

Has a very stong, pungent scent when in flower.

Toxicity

All parts, including berries, are highly toxic by ingestion; skin and eye irritant too.

Plant care

Pruning

Propagation methods

Offsets

Pests

It relies on flies and other insects for pollination.

Diseases

Plant container grown plants in deep fertile, well-drained soil

Cut down, pot up and store overwinter in a cold frame or greenhouse

Plant container grown plants in a sunny sheltered spot

Protect in winter with dry mulch (in cold areas)

Plant in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soils

Separate bulb offsets

Separate tulip, waterlily and hyacinth offsets

Other plants

Plants in this Genus (1)

Dracunculus

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Dracunculus vulgaris
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Dracunculus vulgaris Dragon arum
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Companion plants (0)

Related content

Discuss Dracunculus vulgaris with other Shoot members

Re: Re: dragon arum

Shoot User
1139 0
Thanks so much for the help! Kristine
Posted: Sunday 15th of May 2011 02:02 AM

Re: dragon arum

Kathy N
1139 1
Hi, Kristine,
Summer dormant means it should stop growing and the leaves die back. This happens in its native habitat where the summers are hot and dry. If, however, it is growing in an area with frequent summer rain, it might not die back completely (but you want it to so it conserves energy for when it is supposed to grow and flower). Since yours are dormant right now (I am assuming you don't see any growth/growth tips/shoots), best time to plant them is autumn or spring. I think now would be too late. I would store the bulbs in a cool, dry place and plant in autumn.
Kathy C
Posted: Saturday 14th of May 2011 11:30 PM

dragon arum

Shoot User
1139 1
I just received some dragon arum bulbs and am wondering if it is best to start them in pots or in the ground. After they flower in the spring, do the leaves remain through the summer and fall, or does the entire plant go dormant? (I've received conflicting info on this point). Any other tips to have happy, healthy dragon arums would be much appreciated! Thanks, KC
Posted: Saturday 14th of May 2011 04:37 PM Last reply: Friday 15th of November 2024 07:48 PM
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