Species dragon arum
pink-cream flowers with gray-black spadix, light-gray-green stems and leaves

dragon arum

Dracunculus vulgaris

Dragon arum (Dracunculus vulgaris) is an amazing, exotic flowering plant native to eastern Mediterranean countries. Its scientific name literally means “Little Dragon” which is quite appropriate given its distinct reddish-purple flower with signature spiny petals. Not only is the flower visually stunning, but when it opens it fills the air with the scent of rotting flesh. Not to worry though - the strange smell is only to attract pollinators, like flies and beetles. Dracunculus vulgaris is also known for its strange rhizomatous growth pattern, which involves its underground stem sprouting leaves and flowers. It is an incredibly unique and interesting species well suited to a collector's garden.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Cormlet Propagation,Seed Propagation,Tissue Culture

Hardiness Zone:

7 - 10

Flowers:

Maroon purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Dragon arum (Dracunculus vulgaris) should be watered moderately once a week. Until the plant is established it is advised to water more frequently, but once it is established it is best to water the soil until it is evenly moist and properly drained. During active growth periods, water more frequently if needed. The soil should be allowed to dry slightly between waterings. In particularly hot and dry periods, the plant will need more water than average. Dragon arum should not be allowed to dry out completely. If the soil becomes dry or too soggy, the plant may suffer.

sunlight

Dragon arum (Dracunculus vulgaris) is a fairly sun-tolerant species that prefers full sun or partial shade. It can tolerate up to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day, but it’s important to note that during peak summer months, it should not endure extended periods of direct sunlight. Providing too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn or fade and can also reduce flowering. Instead, allow at least 2–3 hours of sunlight in the morning and 2–3 hours of shade towards the afternoon to keep the plant healthy and blooming.

pruning

Dragon arum should be pruned in the early spring, before new growth begins. Pruning should include removing old or dead foliage as well as deadheading any blooming stems. To promote new growth, prune back the remaining stems to a third of their height. This will rejuvenate the plant and encourage more prolific blooming in the late spring. Additionally, any rogue stems should be cut back to the base, as they can take away from the plant's overall shape.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Dracunculus vulgaris typically starts flowering in April or May.

Hardiness Map