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Dracunculus vulgaris (Dragon arum)
1 hour care
per year
per year
1.5m
Max height
Max height
0.6m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Dracunculus vulgaris
Other names
Dragon arum, Dragonwort, Stink lily, Brook leek, Dragon's female, Edderwort, Faverole, Indian turnip, Snake plant, Arum dracunculus
Genus
Dracunculus Dracunculus
Species
D. vulgaris - 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.
Dracunculus vulgaris is: Semi evergreen
Fragrance
Has a very stong, pungent scent when in flower.
Habit
Upright
Toxicity
All parts, including berries, are highly toxic by ingestion; skin and eye irritant too.
Flower
Maroon in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
It relies on flies and other insects for pollination.
General care
Propagation methods
Offsets
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Where to grow
Dracunculus vulgaris (Dragon arum) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Underplanting
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.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Dracunculus vulgaris
Other names
Dragon arum, Dragonwort, Stink lily, Brook leek, Dragon's female, Edderwort, Faverole, Indian turnip, Snake plant, Arum dracunculus
Genus
Dracunculus Dracunculus
Species
D. vulgaris - 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.
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Fragrance
Has a very stong, pungent scent when in flower.
Habit
Upright
Toxicity
All parts, including berries, are highly toxic by ingestion; skin and eye irritant too.
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Colour
Flower
Maroon in Summer
Foliage
Dark-green in Spring; Dark-green in Summer
How to care
Watch out for
Pests
It relies on flies and other insects for pollination.
General care
Propagation methods
Offsets
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Dracunculus vulgaris (Dragon arum) will reach a height of 1.5m and a spread of 0.6m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Cottage/Informal, Flower Arranging, Beds and borders, Underplanting
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.
Soil type
Chalky, Loamy, Sandy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade, Full Sun
Aspect
North, South, East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Chalky, Loamy, Sandy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained, Well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade, Full Sun | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | North, South, East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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dragon arum
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