carrion flower
Stapelia gigantea
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones9 to 10
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size6 to 12 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Pale ochre-yellow with maroon lines
Notes
Carrion flower (Stapelia gigantea) is a houseplant with fuzzy, starfish-like flowers. 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 average soil. The flowers can reach 12 inches or more across and open from balloon-like buds. Their scent attracts pollinating flies.
Pairs well with American agave, Bougainvillea, and Red Lion amaryllis.
Native range
Africa.