Green Dragon
Best choice for gardeners seeking exotic, low-maintenance shade perennials.
Introduce a touch of the exotic to your shaded garden with the native Green Dragon (Arisaema dracontium). This unique perennial, related to Jack-in-the-Pulpit, offers a striking tropical appearance with its unusual leaf structure and fascinating flower spathe. It produces vibrant red seeds in summer, adding a splash of color to moist woodland settings. The Green Dragon naturalizes over time, creating lasting visual interest and is a deer-resistant addition that thrives in shady, moist environments. It pairs beautifully with other shade-loving plants like hostas and ferns.
$23.98
Owner Satisfaction
4.5
/ 5
Category Rank
1536
/ 3099
#1536 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
+2%
Above average
Mature Height
2436
/ - inches tall
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking a dramatic, conversation-starting focal point
- Novice gardeners wanting a resilient, easy-to-grow plant
- Busy homeowners preferring low-effort, long-term perennial beauty
Who should skip it
- Families with curious pets or small children
- Gardeners with sunny, dry, or exposed planting sites
- Impatient gardeners looking for immediate, full-sized results
Performance breakdown
Shade Adaptability
Thrives in low-light conditions where most flowering perennials struggle.
Visual Impact
Exotic spathe structure provides a dramatic focal point for woodland gardens.
Deer Resistance
Reliably deters browsing wildlife, protecting your investment from hungry garden visitors.
Naturalization Potential
Spreads steadily over time to create a lush, self-sustaining colony.
Planting Ease
Bare root format requires careful placement but establishes well in moist soil.
Maintenance Requirements
Low-effort perennial that demands little beyond consistent moisture and shade.
Key Specs
Mature Height
24-36 inches tall
Mature Spread
12-18 inches wide
Planting Depth
1 inch below soil surface
Ships As
Bare Root
Light Requirements
Full Shade, Partial Shade
Bloom Time
Late spring to early summer
Growing Zones
Zone 4 through Zone 9
Soil Type
Loamy Soil, Well-Drained Soil
Features
- Striking tropical appearance
- Native North American perennial
- Deer resistant plant
- Thrives in shade and moist soil
- Unusual flower spathe
- Bright red summer seeds
- Naturalizes over time
What customers say
Customers overwhelmingly praise the Green Dragon for its exceptional quality and reliable performance in shaded areas. The tubers arrive healthy, leading to vigorous growth once established. Gardeners especially value the plant's unique architectural interest provided by the distinctive green spathe, which adds exotic flair. The core delight stems from the plant's proven hardiness and successful emergence when planted correctly. While some patience is required for full maturity, the overall sentiment confirms excellent value. This perennial is highly recommended for adventurous gardeners seeking reliable, unique beauty for their shade gardens.
Know before you buy
This plant thrives in moist, loamy, and well-drained soil. Because it has high water requirements, it is best suited for woodland-style gardens that retain moisture throughout the growing season.
No, the Green Dragon is considered deer-resistant. It is a great choice if you have a woodland garden that is frequently visited by local wildlife.
Since the Green Dragon reaches a mature spread of 12 to 18 inches, you should space them at least 18 inches apart to allow for proper airflow and naturalization over time.
No, the Green Dragon actually prefers full to partial shade. It is an excellent option for areas of your garden that do not receive direct sunlight.
The Green Dragon ships as a bare root plant. You should plant it approximately one inch below the soil surface as soon as possible after it arrives.
Yes, it is a hardy perennial in growing zones 4 through 9. It will return each spring and naturally spread over time to create a larger colony.
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$24