Overview
Arisaema dracontium is a columnar upright bulbs in the genus Arisaema, part of the Araceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.2–0.5 metres tall. Arisaema dracontium grows best in partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and acid and neutral pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H3. Suggested uses include cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs.
About
Arisaema dracontium, the dragon-root or green dragon, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the genus Arisaema and the family Araceae. It is native to North America from Quebec through Minnesota south through Florida and Texas, where it is found growing in damp woods. It has also been reported from northeastern Mexico (Nuevo León + Veracruz) Plants grow 20–50 centimetres (7.9–19.7 in) tall when in bloom and after flowering reach 100 centimetres (39 in), and each grows from a corm. During flowering in spring, a single slender, green spathe 3–6 centimetres (1.2–2.4 in) long is produced; it covers a tapering, long thin spadix. Grow it in partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is half-hardy and may need winter protection in colder areas (RHS H3). It works well for cottage and informal garden, flower borders and beds and underplanting of roses and shrubs. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained conditions and north-facing, east-facing and west-facing aspects.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Arisaema dracontium
About the genus
Arisaema is a large and diverse genus of the flowering plant family Araceae. The largest concentration of species is in China and Japan, with other species native to other parts of southern Asia as well as eastern and central Africa, Mexico and eastern North America. Asiatic species are often called cobra lilies, while western species are often called jack-in-the-pulpit; both names refer to the distinctive appearance of the flower, which consists of an erect central spadix rising from a spathe.
Wikipedia contributors, "Arisaema", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Arisaema
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Arisaema
- Sunlight
- Partial shade
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- North-facing, East-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H3
Plant details
Arisaema dracontium size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Bulbs
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.2–0.5 metres
- Suggested uses
- Cottage and informal garden, Flower borders and beds, Underplanting of roses and shrubs
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Arisaema dracontium
- Propagation
- Seed, Offsets
- Pest resistance
- Slugs, Vine weevil
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Arisaema dracontium?
Arisaema dracontium prefers partial shade. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Arisaema dracontium need?
Arisaema dracontium grows best in loam and sand soil. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained.
How big does Arisaema dracontium grow?
Arisaema dracontium reaches a height of 0.2–0.5 metres.
Is Arisaema dracontium hardy in the UK?
Arisaema dracontium has an RHS hardiness rating of H3, meaning it is half-hardy, tolerating -5 to 1°C, and may need winter protection in colder areas.
How do I propagate Arisaema dracontium?
Seed, Offsets.
