Overview

Dracunculus vulgaris is a perennial in the genus Dracunculus, part of the Araceae family. Dracunculus vulgaris grows best in partial shade and full sun, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral and alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include ornamental and container planting. It is native to Mediterranean.

About

Dracunculus vulgaris, the dragon arum, is a Mediterranean perennial in the arum family grown for a distinctive summer flower with a strong floral fragrance. It flowers from June to August. Plant in fertile, well-drained soil of neutral to alkaline pH and give partial shade to full sun. All parts are harmful if eaten and can irritate skin and eyes, so wear gloves and eye protection when handling.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Dracunculus vulgaris

In the garden

A member of the Araceae, Dracunculus vulgaris originates from the Mediterranean and is cultivated as an ornamental perennial and for container planting. The plant produces its notable flowers in the summer; flowering runs from June to August and is the primary season to assess its bloom performance. Position the plant where it receives partial shade to full sun. It prefers fertile, well-drained soil that remains moist without becoming waterlogged and performs best on neutral to alkaline soils. The UK hardiness rating H5 indicates the species is hardy in most outdoor UK situations, so it can be left in the ground through typical winters in much of the country. Use dragon arum where a summer flowering accent is desired: try a sheltered border corner, a gravelled bed with good drainage or a large container that keeps the soil reliably moist yet free-draining. Because all parts are harmful if eaten and can irritate skin and eyes, handle corms and foliage with gloves and avoid contact with bare skin when deadheading or repotting. Check the plant between June and August when the flowers appear, as that period is when its floral traits and fragrance are most evident.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Dracunculus

Sunlight

partial shade, full sun

Soil type

well-drained, fertile

Soil pH

neutral, alkaline

Soil moisture

moist, well-drained

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Dracunculus vulgaris size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

perennial

Suggested uses

ornamental, container planting

Native to

Mediterranean

Fragrance

Flower

Toxicity

Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Dracunculus vulgaris

Cultivation

Plant tubers in spring in well-drained soil; keep moist during growing season; protect from frost in colder areas

Pruning

Remove dead foliage after flowering

Propagation

tuber division, seed

Frequently asked questions