Dracaena draco Seeds | Dragons Blood Tree
LATIN NAME: Dracaena draco
COMMON NAME: Dragon Tree
Plant Profile
Dracaena draco, commonly known as Dragon Tree, is a tree in the asparagus family. Dragon tree raises its thick, branched trunk and dense rosettes of stiff, sword-shaped leaves, and the whole tree stands like an old, slow monument. It is a tree of open, sunny, sharp-draining ground. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the asparagus family, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. For practical purposes the message is encouraging: generations of cultivation have produced plants of predictable, well-mannered garden character.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Dragon Tree earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Dragon tree is a fine, bold tree of dry garden and study collection. It is a fine, bold tree of open, sunny, sharp-draining garden. Give young trees warmth and sharp-draining soil, and rosettes will rise over the years. Once settled, it thrives on neglect more than on fussing.
Dragon trees yield dragon’s blood, the crimson resin of traditional wound remedies and violin varnish; modern studies examine its phenolic compounds for skin-barrier effects.
Growing from Seed
Dragon Tree grows readily from seed. Scatter the seed evenly over a loose seed compost, cover to no more than its own depth, and keep the pot moist and bright. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Dragon Tree repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
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