perennial

Dragonhead

Dracocephalum grandiflorum

 

 
Dragonhead (Dracocephalum grandiflorum) at Ron Paul Garden Centre

Dragonhead flowers

Dragonhead flowers

(Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder)

Height:  8 inches

Spread:  12 inches

Sunlight:  full sun  partial shade 

Hardiness Zone:  3

Other Names:  Dragon's Head

Description:

A groundhugging variety that really catches the eye with violet-purple flowers resembling snap dragons; excellent for edging, containers, or the rock garden

Ornamental Features

Dragonhead has masses of beautiful spikes of violet hooded flowers rising above the foliage in mid spring, which are most effective when planted in groupings. Its narrow leaves remain forest green in colour throughout the season.

Landscape Attributes

Dragonhead is an herbaceous perennial with a mounded form. Its medium texture blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective composition.

This plant will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

  • Spreading

Dragonhead is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use

Planting & Growing

Dragonhead will grow to be about 7 inches tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 inches. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 8 years. As an herbaceous perennial, this plant will usually die back to the crown each winter, and will regrow from the base each spring. Be careful not to disturb the crown in late winter when it may not be readily seen!

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It prefers to grow in average to moist conditions, and shouldn't be allowed to dry out. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.

 
 
Hardiness Zone Plant Height Minimum Sunlight
Characteristics
Massing  Garden 
Applications
Flowers 
Ornamental Features