Re: Dracunculus growing on clay Z5

**J* W* <j*@kc.rr.com>**

>After growing Darcunculus for several years in big containers I 
>would like to know if they would survive outside. My soil is clay 
>with sodium more than necessary. I would like to know who have 
>success growing it outside in Zone 5. I would try to plant them out, 
>but I don't want to loose them becouse they have nice reddish color 
>not blackish. They were wild collected in Turkey, but the seller 
>don't know where.

Dear Jan,
	It has been reported frequently about the hardiness of 
Dracunculus in Zone 5 and possibly further north. I have grown it out 
doors in various situations for years. This year I had 4 blooming 
clumps ,  and 2 large seed heads are ripening.  One of these blooming 
clumps was seed grown, the others from tubers.  The biggest is 
growing in a raised amended bed in full sun.  It also blooms in 
fairly deep shade at the edge of a wood side.

	The only place it has declined was in a bed that stay damp 
over winter. All surviving sites - even in shade - have a slight 
slope and better drainage.
	We routinely get to 0 F each winter and the plants receive NO 
protection.
	Want some fresh seed when the heads are ripe?

	Best	and go for it.		Jim W.

-- 
Dr. James W. Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd.
Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711
USA
Ph.    816-746-1949
Zone 5 Record low -23F
	Summer 100F +

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