Dark and exotic plants provide drama and excitement to local flora. Dragon arum flower is one such specimen. The amazing form and deep intoxicating color are second only to its astounding stench during its peak. The plant actually does very well in cooler temperate climates where growing dragon arums only require minimum water and bright shade. Purchase a couple of tubers and learn how to grow a dragon arum so you can experience the exotic beauty of this plant.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Dracunculus vulgaris is a species of aroid flowering plant in the genus Dracunculus and the arum family Araceae. Common names include the common dracunculus, dragon lily, dragon arum, black arum and vampire lily. In Greece, part of its native range, the plant is called drakondia, the long spadix being viewed as a small dragon hiding in the spathe.
This herbaceous perennial is endemic to the Balkans, extending as far as Greece, Crete, and the Aegean Islands, and also to the south-western parts of Anatolia.
The species is characterized by a large purple spathe and spadix, which has a very unpleasant smell reminiscent of rotting meat to attract flies (Lucilia and others) as pollinators. The large palmate leaves have occasional cream flecks along the veins.
The dragon lily has the ability to heat itself to a temperature of 18 degrees Celsius. This addition to its traits does not have any correlation to its potent scent, however it does promote the comfort of the insects who choose to pollinate on the lily. The plant itself is large in size with an equally large internal floral chamber as well as an ample landing area for insects.
The spathe and floral chamber guide the insects into the plant during the stage of stigma receptivity and then it releases the insects after the pollen is shed. While the flower doesn’t close completely, the sticky walls are what make it difficult for the insect to climb out. After a day, the spathe begins to wither and the flies and or beetles are free.
All parts of dragon arum are loaded with calcium oxalate crystals that when ingested will tear into the mouth, throat, and digestive tract, causing severe irritation and swelling. Sometimes the swelling is bad enough to start obstructing breathing. It almost always causes severe mouth pain, nausea, drooling, vomiting, stomach and intestinal pain, sore throat, and diarrhea.
Dracunculus vulgaris has been introduced to northern Europe, Australia, and North America, both to the United States, where it is present in the states of Kansas, Oregon, California, Washington, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, the commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and to Canada, where it has been grown in the province of Ontario and Vancouver, B.C.
The plant can tolerate some shade but prefers full sun; it can also withstand drought but benefits from a little watering. The plant prefers a humus-rich, well-drained soil.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Dragon lily plants prefer full sun, but can also be grown in partial shade. Keep in mind, however, that plants grown in full sun will need more water than those grown in partial shade.
Temperature and Humidity
The dragon lily can be grown in hardiness zones 7 to 10 but can be grown further north by digging the tuber, overwintering it indoors., and planting outside in the spring. However, even in hardy zones, these plants still need protection in the winter. Apply a thick layer of mulch to provide insulation during colder months. Because the dragon lily likes damp soil and can be naturally found near water sources, it does well with humidity.
Watering
Water consistently and keep the soil damp, but not overly wet. Soggy soil can cause the tubers to rot.
Soil
Rich, moist, well-draining soil is perfect for the dragon lily plant. Because they are naturally found by rivers and ponds, they do well in moist soil. However, it is quite tolerant of a variety of soil conditions and adapts well.
Fertilizing
For dragon arum, fertilization boosts growth and flowering. Apply a balanced fertilizer monthly during active growth (spring-summer). Use half-strength and follow package instructions for quantity. Avoid over-fertilization as it harms dragon arum. In winter, reduce fertilization to support dormancy. Tips include watering after fertilizing to dissolve nutrients and avoiding fertilizer contact with foliage to prevent burns. Tailor practices to dragon arum’s life cycle for optimal health.
Propagation
Because the dragon lily grows from tubers, propagating is simple and most often done by division. It also self-seeds and produces offsets. It is best to divide the plant in either the spring or fall. Before you begin, make sure to wear gloves, as this plant is known to cause skin irritation. Here is how to propagate dragon lily plants:
- Using a garden fork or shovel, slowly work your way around the plant to loosen the tubers.
- Once the plant can be easily removed from the ground, lift it out and shake away the dirt.
- Inspect the tubers, making sure to dispose of any that are rotten.
- Using your hands or a sharp knife, divide the tubers, making sure to keep foliage on each division.
- Move each division to its own area, adding plenty of organic matter or compost to the soil first. Water thoroughly.
Growing in Containers
Though large, the dragon lily does quite well when grown in containers. When choosing a container for these plants, be sure it has a drainage hole to allow excess water to escape. Mix plenty of fertilizer, organic material, or compost into the potting soil and place the tubers a few inches deep. Water thoroughly and allow the excess water to drain away. Continue to give these plants fertilizer every month during the growing season. By keeping your plant in a sunny location and not allowing the soil to dry out, you will have a healthy potted dragon lily.
Repotting
Spring signals repotting time for dragon arum, a tall, bold species with a distinctively spiky inflorescence. Ideally, annual repotting aligns with its growth cycle, post-dormancy. Choose a sizable pot to accommodate dragon arum’s large tuber. Post-transfer, ensure well-draining soil and moderate water to foster robust growth. Frequent check-ins can preempt care adjustments for this spectacular, yet manageable, addition to any garden.
III. Uses and Benefits
This very uncommon flower rarely makes its way into cultivated gardens due to its overpowering rotten meat stench. However, dragon arum can be placed (far) away from windows, doors, sidewalks, or other common areas as a standalone specimen piece, for it does have a very interesting look. Dragon arum could be suitable in Mediterranean-style gardens or unique garden beds.
