Species green dragon
Green Dragon (Pinellia tripartita 'Gold Dragon') leaves displaying  tripartite form in green with yellow variegation

green dragon

Pinellia tripartita 'Gold Dragon'

Green Dragon (Pinellia tripartita 'Gold Dragon') is an unusual species with striking foliage and flower. Its glossy green leaves and fragrant yellow flowers look like those of a dragon. This herbaceous perennial is native to parts of China and Japan. It prospers in partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Green Dragon is a fast-growing plant that can reach up to 18” in height. Pruning back old growth can help the plant to remain compact and lush. Green Dragon adds texture and color to a shade garden; its bright flowers bring cheer when other plants are dormant in winter. Thriving in moist environments, it's ideal for planting near water features or streams.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Division,Seed Propagation,Cutting,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 9

Flowers:

Green Flowers

Sun:

Part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

gold,green,yellow

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

watering

Water Green Dragon plants once a week, using about 1 inch of water. Make sure soil is evenly moist and water at the base of the plant. Water in the morning so the foliage has time to dry before nightfall, as wet foliage encourages diseases. For best results, water with lukewarm water. During the growing season, it’s also useful to mist the plant’s leaves from time to time.

sunlight

Green dragon plants thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight. That means placing the plant near a window where it can receive several hours of bright, diffused sunlight a day. It's better to give the plant some shade during the midday hours when the sun is at its most intense. When providing the right amount of light, green dragon should be given around 4 to 6 hours of direct sunlight, with the rest of the day providing dappled or indirect sunlight.

pruning

Green Dragon plants should be pruned in late spring, just after the plants have finished flowering. Pruning should be focused around shaping the plant. Remove any dead, diseased and weak stems to give the plant an overall cleaner and healthier appearance. Next, cut back the long stems to within 2-3 sets of leaves from the top of the plant. This will help to maintain the shape and reduce the size of the plant. Finally, cut back any long stems that are growing out of the sides to help to encourage new growth and make the entire plant look neat and tidy.

Season

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

Pinellia tripartita 'Gold Dragon' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Pinellia tripartita 'Gold Dragon' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map