Growing Dracuncula Vulgaris, the Voodoo Lily
An Exotic Addition to the Garden Perennials
With the seductive title of "Voodoo Lily", any horticulturalist who likes the slightly unusual would be attracted to such a name. But this positively gothic plant holds a scented surprise behind its beautiful and unusual spathe…
What is the Voodoo Lily?
The Voodoo Lily is a form of Mediterranean Arum Lily of the genus Tuberous Perennials. The most attractive feature, and possibly the reason for its evocative name, is the colouring of its flower which is a deep, rich purpley-red with a thick black stamen protruding from the centre.
The flower is a single spathe which can reach up to forty inches in length whilst the plant as a whole generally reaches around four to five feet in height.
It usually flowers between spring and summer but there is a rather gruesome surprise behind this triffid-like beauty as the Voodoo Lily is most renowned for its potent perfume which has been likened to rotting flesh, dead fish and road kill. Not recommended for the small urban garden and best planted down-wind, whilst flowering it also tends to attract bluebottles and other carrion-favouring insects.
How do I grow it?
The Voodoo Lily is native to the eastern Mediterranean and grows prevalently on rocky slopes in countries like Greece.
Although it predominates in Mediterranean hardiness zones of 8-10 it grows perfectly well in most temperate countries including the South of England and even North America zone 6 provided it is kept in full sunshine and in a sheltered, out-of-the-wind garden spot.
The plant prefers nutrient-rich soil and a light protective mulch over winter periods. New tubers are split and planted in spring or autumn and grown plants can also be moved at these times.
Keep the soil moist but do not over-water; these plants are used to dry, well-drained climates and strong sunlight.
Where can I buy it?
This unusual plant is often touted as a novelty at garden centres. We found it on sale at a Midlands garden centre in the UK for under £2/$4 for a small, sprouted tuber around half a foot in height.
If you know someone who has a plant you can split the tubers and replant in your own garden during spring or autumn or you can wait for the flower to bear a seed pod. Once the pod turns orange or red, squeeze it, remove the seeds and allow them to dry for a couple of days before planting. You might want to wear gloves for this.
