Voodoo Lily, Dragon Flower, Dragon arum
| When to Plant: | |
| Fall |
| Blooms: | |
| Late Spring to Summer |
| Light Requirements: | |
| Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Plant Height: | ||
| 24-36" | ||
| Hardiness Zones: | |
| Grow as Perennial in zones 6-8. Grow as Annual elsewhere. Find Your Zone |
| Planting Depth: | |
| 4-6" |
| Plant Spacing: | |
| 12-18" |
| Plant Type: | |
| Tuber |
Dranunculus is a tuberous perennial grown for its distinctive but foul-smelling, often very large blooms. It features large, erect, fan-shaped, dark green leaves that are often streaked with white. Each leaf has finger-like lobes said to resemble the claw of a dragon. The flowers are followed by green berries that mature to orange-red in fall.
Avoid planting dranunculus near windows, doors, sidewalks, patios or other frequently populated areas where the brief but overpowering odor will not be welcome.
Plant in the fall, before the first frost hardens the soil. Soak 3-4 hours or up to 24 hours before planting. Tubers do not store well so try to purchase them early in the season and plant upon receipt.
Dig a hole to the required depth. Place tuber in hole, cover with soil and water thoroughly. Mulch in extreme climates.
After blooming, leave the tubers in place if you are in a zones where hardy so plants can clump or reseed. Divide only when containers or planting spaces become too crowded. If you are not in a zone where hardy, dig up in the fall to overwinter.
In areas that are marginally hardy, protect dormant tubers with mulch. Dranunculus grows best in sun and well-drained soil that dries out in summer.
