Greetings forum members,
As Mr. Advent has posted,( and Others) Dracunculus vulgaris is often more hardy
than expected. As for myself, I have been able to grow this plant Here in Chicago for a number
of years. It will do very well in the gardens near Lake Michigan, in an area known
as Chicago's North Shore Suburbs. ( Near the Chicago Botanic Gardens).
These suburbs that lie along the coast line of the lake, receive a moderating effect
from Lake Michigan. In some cases, the winter temperatures have resembled USDA Zone 6.
I am 40 miles Northwest of Downtown Chicago, solid Zone 5 (B), and Dracunculus will grow here
as well.
Drainage, soil amendment, and mulching, all will improve not only growing conditions
throughout spring and summer, but will improve in ground winter survival.
Arum italicum grows in the ground here year after year, as well as Sauromatum venosum.
One of the "problems" we have around here, with growing conditions in gardens, is rainy fall weather.
This can result is saturated / over saturated soils. Then follows the annual winter freezing,
which can cause the frost line to penetrate below ground to nearly 4 feet deep (or deeper) .
The occasional mid winter thaw,and refreeze don't help. The prolonged winters
and sometimes late Springs, can be challenging to plant structures, both above
and below the soil line.
Michael Kolaczewski
Elgin, Il 60123
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