How to Grow and Care for a Dragon Lily Plant

Dracunculus vulgaris

Dracunculus vulgaris is known by many names, Dragon Lily, Voodoo Lily, Viagra Lily
and the 'tell it like it is' name of Stink Lily.
The 'stink' that eminates from the Dragon Lily's flower on the day it opens smells somewhat like rotting meat and attracts flies as the chief pollinator.
This attribute needs consideration when you decide where to plant a Dragon Lily.
Luckily the odor dissipates after the first day,
allowing you to enjoy the exotic beauty of this unusual plant!
The 10-12 inch flowers range in color from deep marroon to nearly black and last for 7-10 days.
The ornate green foliage appears in March but the flowers wait
until early summer to make their first appearance.

Growing Requirements for Dragon Lily Plants

Dragon Lilies are native to the eastern Mediterranean region.
The Dragon Lily is hardy in USDA zones 5-8, provided that it is adequately mulched in the winter.
Dragon Lilies are tough and easy to care for.
They can be grown in full sun to partial shade.
Provide good drainage and water well during the growing season.
When the plant begins to die back after blooming,
you should decrease watering.
Dragon Lily plants benefit from a top dressing of compost
and bone meal in early Spring.
Dragon Lilies can be grown from seed
or propagated by replanting offset bulbs 6" deep in the fall.
See web page

Dragon Lily
*Dracunculus vulgaris*

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