Devil’s Tongue: The Dramatic Garden Showstopper You Never Knew You Needed
If you’re looking to add some serious drama to your garden, meet the devil’s tongue (Amorphophallus konjac) – a plant that’s equal parts fascinating and bizarre. This isn’t your typical garden-variety perennial, and that’s exactly what makes it so captivating. With its towering umbrella-like leaf and notorious stinky flower, devil’s tongue is guaranteed to be a conversation starter in any landscape.
What Exactly Is Devil’s Tongue?
Devil’s tongue is a unique tuberous plant that puts on quite the show each growing season. Also known by its scientific name Amorphophallus konjac (and formerly called Amorphophallus rivieri), this exotic beauty hails from the forests of Southeast Asia, including China, Japan, and Korea. The plant grows from an underground tuber and produces either a single, magnificent leaf or an unforgettable flower – but never both at the same time.
Native to the mountainous regions of Southeast Asia, devil’s tongue thrives in the dappled light of forest floors in its homeland. While it’s not native to North America, it has found a devoted following among gardeners who appreciate its unique character.
The Good, The Bad, and The Smelly
Why you might love it:
- Creates an instant focal point with its dramatic 3-6 foot tall umbrella leaf
- Produces a striking maroon flower that can reach 4 feet in height
- Requires minimal care once established
- Adds exotic flair to shade gardens and woodland settings
- Works beautifully in Asian-themed garden designs
Why you might think twice:
- The flower smells like rotting meat (though it only lasts a few days)
- Goes completely dormant in winter, leaving empty space
- Not native, so it won’t support local wildlife ecosystems
- Can be expensive to purchase initially
Growing Devil’s Tongue Successfully
Good news for busy gardeners – devil’s tongue is surprisingly low-maintenance once you understand its needs. This plant thrives in USDA hardiness zones 6-10, making it suitable for much of the United States with proper winter protection in colder areas.
Ideal growing conditions include:
- Partial shade to filtered sunlight
- Well-draining, humus-rich soil
- Consistent moisture during the growing season
- Protection from strong winds
- Good air circulation
Planting and Care Tips
Plant your devil’s tongue tuber in spring after the last frost, placing it about 4-6 inches deep with the growing point facing up. During the growing season (spring through fall), keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. The plant will produce either its impressive leaf or its famous flower each year – it’s always a surprise which one you’ll get!
In winter, the plant goes completely dormant. In colder zones, you can either mulch heavily or dig up the tuber and store it indoors in barely moist peat moss at around 50-60°F.
Wildlife and Pollinator Considerations
While devil’s tongue does attract some pollinators – primarily flies and beetles drawn to its carrion scent – it doesn’t provide the same ecosystem benefits as native plants. The flower’s brief blooming period and specialized pollinator requirements mean it won’t significantly support local wildlife populations.
Native Alternatives to Consider
If you love the idea of dramatic foliage but want to support local ecosystems, consider these native alternatives:
- Wild ginger (Asarum canadense) for interesting ground-level foliage
- Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) for umbrella-like leaves
- Large-flowered trillium (Trillium grandiflorum) for woodland drama
- Jack-in-the-pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum) for unique flower structures
The Bottom Line
Devil’s tongue is perfect for gardeners who want something truly different and don’t mind a plant that marches to its own beat. It’s ideal for shade gardens, Asian-inspired landscapes, or anywhere you want to add a touch of the exotic. While it won’t support local wildlife like native plants do, it’s not considered invasive and can coexist peacefully with native species in mixed plantings.
Just remember – when that flower blooms and your neighbors start asking about the smell, you can smile knowingly and tell them it’s just your devil’s tongue saying hello!
