carrion flower
Orbea variegata
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones9 to 12
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size12 to 24 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Cream/tan, red
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral, alkaline
Garden uses
Notes
Carrion flower (Orbea variegata) is a succulent for containers and low maintenance gardens. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full or part sun and dry to moist, sandy or loamy soil. Its starfish-like flowers are pale yellow with burgundy-black spots. They may give off a light carrion-like smell that attracts pollinating flies.
Pairs well with Christmas fern, Standing Ovation little bluestem, and African marigold.
Native range
Africa and Eritrea.