Dracunculus canariensis
Canary Island dragon arum
A tropical tuberous perennial, with divided, glossy green leaves. Plants are summer dormant, starting growth in late autumn. Mature plants produce fragrant white spathe flowers, brushed with green on the outside and with a pale cream or yellow spadix, at the tips of the stems in spring or early summer. Flowers are sometimes followed by clusters of orange berries
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Araceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Potentially harmful
- 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
- Genus
Dracunculus are tuberous deciduous perennials with attractive leaves divided into several narrow, finger-like segments, and dramatic, foul-smelling, arum-type flowers in spring or summer; the plant dies down after flowering
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Canary Islands, Madeira
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a fertile, moist but well-drained potting mix in sun or part shade; keep above 5°C. Ideal for a cool greenhouse
Propagation
Propagate by seed or by division. Mature plants produce stolons that develop into new shoots and tubers
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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