Does it really smell like rotting meat?

Yes, it produces a distinct, pungent odor to attract flies and beetles for pollination.

How do I care for it in winter?

The foliage dies back completely, so just keep the soil relatively dry during its dormant period.

Plant guide

Dragon arum.

Dracunculus vulgaris

Pronounced drak-UN-kew-lus vul-GAIR-iss

Also known as Common dracunculus, Dragon Arum, Dragon Lily, devil's-tongue, dragon-lily

The dragon arum is a striking plant known for its massive, dark purple spathe and pungent scent. It grows from a large tuber and creates a dramatic focal point in the garden. You will love how unique its prehistoric appearance looks in a sunny border.

Another photo of Dragon arum — Photo by sujay (CC0) via gbif

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Perennial tuber
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 3 to 5 feet
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 6 to 9
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Plant the tubers in well draining soil to prevent rot during the dormant season. Keep an eye out for yellowing leaves which often signal that the plant is entering its summer dormancy. Ensure it has plenty of space to accommodate its wide, architectural foliage.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist during the active growing season but reduce water significantly once the foliage begins to die back.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly while the plant is actively producing leaves.
Pruning: Remove dead or yellowing foliage only after it has completely withered to allow the tuber to store energy.
Repotting: Repot or divide the tubers when they become too crowded or if you want to propagate the plant.
Soil: Well draining, fertile soil
Soil pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline
Temperature: -10 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, long lived with proper drainage.
Fragrance: Strong
Deer and rabbits: High

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water sitting on the surface for too long.
The plant has become crowded with many offsets.

Safety

People: The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause intense burning and swelling of the mouth and throat if eaten.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant away from children because the berries and foliage are highly toxic if chewed or swallowed.
Contact allergens: Handling the sap can cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The pollen is not typically considered a major airborne allergen.
Edibility: All parts of this plant are toxic if ingested and can cause severe irritation.

How to identify it

Large, velvety dark purple spathe
Thick, mottled green and purple stems
Deeply lobed, palmate green leaves
Distinctive foul odor when blooming

Height: 0.6 to 1.2m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.6m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: purple, maroon, black, 30 to 80cm
Fruit: orange, red, Late summer

Problems to watch for

Slugs and SnailsCommon
Soft RotCommon
AphidsUncommon
Root RotUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, seed
When to plant: autumn, spring
Overwintering: Allow the foliage to yellow and die back naturally before removing it. Keep the soil on the drier side during the winter months to prevent the tuber from rotting.
In containers: It grows well in large pots, but ensure the container has excellent drainage to prevent tuber rot.

Division

1. Wait until the plant is dormant in late summer.
2. Carefully dig up the clump without damaging the tubers.
3. Separate the offsets from the main tuber.
4. Replant the offsets in well drained soil.

Plant near late summer perennials to hide the space left behind when the lily enters dormancy.

Grows well with

Hellebore · They share similar shade and moisture requirements.
Hostas · They provide lush foliage contrast once the lily goes dormant.

Similar species

Italian Arum · It is a related aroid with similar growth habits and toxic properties.

Science

Family: Araceae
Genus: Dracunculus
Order: Alismatales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: Mediterranean region and the Balkans.
Conservation: This plant is not currently listed as endangered or threatened.

It thrives in rocky, well drained soils and uses its scent to mimic carrion to lure pollinators.

Value to wildlife: attracts carrion insects
Pollinators: beetles
Uses: ornamental specimen, botanical curiosity

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 6/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it really smell like rotting meat?: Yes, it produces a distinct, pungent odor to attract flies and beetles for pollination.
How do I care for it in winter?: The foliage dies back completely, so just keep the soil relatively dry during its dormant period.

Where the name comes from

The name Dracunculus means little dragon, referring to the spadix shape, while vulgaris means common.

Good to know

It is commonly called the dragon lily.
The spadix can reach up to 80 centimeters in length.
The smell is strongest during the first day of blooming.
It is a member of the Arum family.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.