By Janettemw
United Kingdom 
i have a plant growing and I would like to identifying it if possible. This is my 3rd summer here, 1st year the pups ate most shoots, the second year I restructured and this isthe 1st year this has shown itself. Is it an Arum? Bamboo? I have googled and looked in RHS encyclopedia and can't find it. I live in Leicestershire, England.
Thank you, it is a Dragon Arum, a foul smelling lily - may I ask who would want such a plant in their garden? I like roses, stocks, jasmine - is there a reason for this sort of plant in an urban garden?
please see pics of the open flower - it opened today and is 60cms (24inches) long from the bowl to the tip of the leaf.
13 May, 2016
Answers
Dracunculus vulgaris.
See:
http://photoseek.photoshelter.com/image/I00001VhF44prvyM
13 May, 2016
It is pure visual drama and it only smells for a short while - and even when it is doing so, we can just avoid it for that time if we wish.
14 May, 2016
Once the flowers have been pollinated, the stink goes away. Rather depends how small your garden is as to whether its a problem or not - outside your kitchen window or next to your chair on the patio might not be a great place! You'd be surprised what plants people like to grow - this one is an unusual choice, but not unheard of.
14 May, 2016
Yes there is a point for this in a garden. As has been said, any perceived stink is shortlived (24 Hours or so) then, oh, what super foliage and this foliage lasts for most of the summer.
14 May, 2016
Thanks to all who have responded :-) It's good to know that the smell is short lived too
19 May, 2016
Whilst I don,t know what this is I suspect it is an aroid (arum, arisaema, saurumatum) from the sicle shape of the leaves. Very nice foliage.
13 May, 2016