Dracunculus canariensis

Dracunculus canariensis is a rarely-offered, little-known cousin of the better known Dracunculus vulgaris. This smaller cousin is endemic to two small islands off the Moroccan coast, Madeira and the Canary Islands. There, they grow in dry, rocky soils, both in part sun and light shade. Dracunculus canariensis is a winter growing species, producing a thick fleshy, upright, 3' tall stalk with hand-shaped green leaves. The sweet, fruit-scented flowers emerge from the stalk tip in early April (NC), with a stunning white spathe, serving as a background to the creamy yellow spadix. This is a summer dormant species, when the tuber should be kept dry. In areas north of Zone 9, this is best grown as an indoor container plant.