Dracunculus vulgaris - Voodoo Lily

Voodoo Lilies are bizarre. They grow without soil and smell like dead meat. If you're not already a devotee, plant something else.

Dracunculus vulgaris blooms a large purple-black spathe like a 3' gothic calla lily. It grows from corms which sprout, leaf out and bloom even if they're sitting in an empty pot. (Voodoo!) Large fan-shaped leaves on speckled stems are extraordinary even if the plant never bloomed. But it will and the enormous blossom smells like rotting meat. Flies find this attractive.

After blooming in late spring the stems sprout green fruits which turn orange. This is truly a spectacular plant, but you should know what you're getting into.

Voodoo Lily grows wild in central Asia and is hardy to Zone 7. It needs rich, well-drained soil. even moisture and bright shade. Corms are easily stored in cool zones, but mark where you put them, because they'll sprout and bloom in your basement if you forget. This is not your ordinary garden flower.

Soak seeds in warm water for a minimum of 24 hours. Surface sow and barely cover in a well draining soil. Place a layer of plastic wrap and a rubber band over your pot or a piece of glass. Place in a warm, sunny location. Seeds can take months to germinate, keep them warm and the soil slightly moist but never soaking wet.

5 seeds.