Dracunculus vulgaris
(Dragon Arum)
Family - Araceae
Category - Perennial
Origin - Mediterranean
Season of Interest - Spring, Summer
Hardiness - H3
Height - up to 1.2m
Width - 60cm
Location - The White Garden
Description: A tuberous Perennial that will become Dormant shortly after flowering. Attractive, large, Divided leaves have long, narrow leaflets that are dark green and marked with silvery white. The leaves emerge from a central stalk that is mottled green and white. The dramatic inflorescences are composed of a spathe and spadix and smell strongly and unpleasantly of rotting meat. Despite the undesirable odour, the inflorescences are striking and attractive. The large spathe is deep burgundy with a velvety texture and ruffled margins. The central spadix is held proud of the spathe and is nearly black with a bright yellow patch at the base. The inflorescences are held singly atop upright stems and are produced from late spring into early summer. The flowers are usually smelled before they are seen.
Synonym - Arum dracunculus
Flower:
Very large spathes are a deep shade of burgundy with a velvety texture and ruffled margins. The spathes can reach 60cm or more in length. The large central spadices are held proud of the spathes and are nearly black in colour with a yellow blotch at the base. The inflorescences are held singly atop upright stems and are produced in May and June. The flowers have a horrid odour, akin to rotting meat, for a couple of days after opening. The unpleasant fragrance attracts flies and beetles that will pollinate the flowers.
Flower colour: Burgundy, black
Flower shape: Spathe and spadix inflorescence held singly
Flowering time: May, June
Foliage:
The large leaves are Divided into several long, narrow leaflets that are dark green and marked with silvery white. The leaves are produced on a central white and green mottled stalk.
Foliage Senescence: Deciduous
Foliage Shape: Divided with long, narrow leaflets
Poison Information:
This plant may cause discomfort if ingested.
Propagation:
Division (separation) of tubers.
Cultivation:
Best in a sheltered position in full sun to partial shade in fertile, moisture-retentive soil that is well-drained. Will not tolerate overly wet soil during the summer months.