Dracunculus vulgaris (Dragon Arum)

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vulgaris, often admired for its deep maroon-purple with black spadix colouring, is a bulb variety especially well suited to sheltered gardens.

Dracunculus vulgaris is not a bulb for the timid. For collectors and connoisseurs of the unusual, this is a gloriously theatrical plant: bold, green architectural foliage crowned in early summer by a deep maroon-purple spathe with a near-black spadix. Planted in a warm, sheltered position, it brings a distinctly exotic note to borders and large containers—an elegant talking point that looks particularly assured against grasses and silver-leaved companions.

Supplied as a premium-sized bulb (20/25 cm), it establishes readily and will return year after year when given good drainage and protection in colder spots. Best appreciated up close, where its sculptural form can be enjoyed as part of a carefully curated planting scheme.

Why you’ll love it

  • Rare & unusual character with collector’s appeal
  • Striking colour: deep maroon-purple with a black spadix
  • Architectural presence for exotic borders and statement pots

Planting & care at a glance

  • Planting time: September–December
  • Flowering time: June–July
  • Position: Full sun or partial sun, ideally sheltered
  • Soil: Well-drained; suitable for chalk, clay, loam or sand
  • Spacing: 30–45 cm apart
  • Height: 90–120 cm
  • Spread: 30–45 cm
  • Hardiness: Half Hardy
Botanical name Dracunculus vulgaris
Flower colour Deep maroon-purple with black spadix
Bulb size 20/25 cm
Established height 90-120 cm
Established spread 30-45 cm
Plant spacing 30-45 cm apart
Leaf colour Green
Habit Clump-forming
Life cycle Perennial
Hardiness Half Hardy
Years to establish 1st year
Sunlight Full-Sun, Partial Sun
Position Sheltered Gardens, Exotic Borders, Pots & Containers, Rare & Unusual Planting
Suitable for Sheltered Gardens, Exotic Borders, Pots & Containers, Rare & Unusual Planting
Soil acidity Any
Soil moisture Well-drained
Soil type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
RHS Award (AGM) No
Growing skill Easy to grow
Pollinator-friendly No
Deer resistant No

Where to Plant:

Dracunculus vulgaris (Dragon Arum) needs full-sun, partial sun and a warm, sheltered position for the best flowering. Plant into fertile, humus-rich soil that drains well, and choose a spot protected from strong winds, especially for taller varieties.

How to Plant:

Plant bulb from September to December once conditions are suitable. Set them at the correct depth for the variety, spacing 30-45 cm apart apart where relevant, then firm in gently and water well after planting.

Aftercare:

Water regularly in dry weather and feed every two to three weeks once buds appear. Stake taller stems early and deadhead to keep plants flowering. After flowering, allow foliage to die back naturally before lifting or protecting bulb according to local conditions.

Planting and Flowering Calendar

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Key Features

Packed in paper

Packed peat-free

Great for Shade

Dracunculus vulgaris - image 1

Dracunculus vulgaris (Dragon Arum)

£6.99

£6.99

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Kind Words from Our Gardeners

Arrived quickly and well-packaged. Planted them in some pots on the patio and they all came up. Look beautiful. Thank you!

Careane Wallace

Oxfordshire, UK

The bulbs arrived beautifully packaged and you could just tell they were excellent quality. We had the most wonderful display of daffodils this spring on our patio. Simply stunning. Will definitely be ordering again

David P

Kent, UK

I ordered the mixed hyacinth collection and the scent in my garden this April was absolutely heavenly. Every single bulb produced a strong, beautiful flower and the colours were stunning together. A fantastic purchase, I'll be back for more next year!

Eleanor R

Somerset