Mandragora officinarum
common mandrake
A perennial with a fleshy tap root producing a rosette of dark green leaves up to 30cm long, upright at first then lying flat on the ground. In spring, a cluster of upright, bell-shaped flowers, greenish-white with purple staining, appear in the centre of the rosette, followed by yellow fruit
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Yellow | ||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Solanaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- TOXIC if eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs, cats) TOXIC if eaten - see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants for further information and useful contact numbers
- Genus
Mandragora are perennials with fleshy taproots producing large rosettes of leaves and stemless, bell-shaped flowers followed by fleshy fruits
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Europe
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in deep, well-drained soil in a warm, sunny position, protected from cold, drying wind and excessive winter wet. Avoid disturbance once established
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown as soon as ripe or in autumn or root cuttings taken in winter
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Rock garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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