I finally have my answer!

11 years ago

It's a stapelia gigantea for sure! That bloom has to be about a foot across! WOW! Although, I don't really smell a scent. I know what it's supposed to smell like so I haven't stuck my nose in it. Just getting close hasn't yielded a scent though. Does the scent come later? Flys are already going crazy over it. I've got plenty more blooms to come as well!

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Comments (15)

cactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
11 years ago
Erin,

It's fully active now, as you have flies - you need to get closer to get its frangrance. IME it's by no means powerfully stinky, more like worked-in socks on a June day. Now, if you have 15-20 of them at once that would be rank.
brodyjames_gw
11 years ago
Erin,
How wonderful! Stink or no stink, I would love to have multiple blooms like that. VERY envious! I can grow huernias, but staps and I don't get along, unfortunately. :(

Nancy
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cactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
11 years ago
Erin,

I meant to mention, you're growing them well and just how they like it - they're a great border plant.
CorpsmanCooper
Original Author
11 years ago
Chris - They get excellent drainage in that rock bed too! I'm very excited about them blooming!

Nancy - I'm sorry you don't get along with them. I can't believe I can actually get them to grow. AND outside for that matter. This is one succulent that doesn't come indoors for the winter!

~Erin~
cactusmcharris, interior BC Z4/5
11 years ago
Wasn't Chris the name of the alternate Garth Brooks, Erin? I actually liked a few songs. And it took me a few readings, btw - good one.
wantonamara Z8 CenTex
11 years ago
It does not bloom in the winter so no stink. Do you cover it when it freezes? your Zone 8b so you get some cold, not much but some. I would bring an cutting in for insurance. cold enough to damage a stapeliad.
CorpsmanCooper
Original Author
11 years ago
This past winter there was only danger of frost a hand full of times. I covered them with a pillow case and I didn't lose any. Now if we have a winter like the one prior to the last one I'll be worried about them.

~Erin~
wantonamara Z8 CenTex
11 years ago
Keep a pot handy . One can always dig them up in a hurry and plop them in the pot and take them in. Bubble wrap and straw. We had 11 degrees 2 years ago. they would have needed to be dug up and brought in. Even if you take the stems off and bring them in they can root and you will be in ready to start all over..
CorpsmanCooper
Original Author
11 years ago
I will keep that in mind this winter Mara! Thank you! I honestly never would have thought of that!

~Erin~
wantonamara Z8 CenTex
11 years ago
I think you must be the 9 side of 8b whereas I am the 8a side of 8b. A big 5 degrees but it is amazing the things that won't grow out here that I grew 30 miles away when I lived in town and 700 ' lower. Every winter is different. It keeps one on ones toes.
meyermike_1micha
11 years ago
How did you do that!? How old is that plant?

I have tried several many times with mine and decide to give it. It's gone now.
Great work Erin:-)

Mike
karyn1
11 years ago
Yours look very nice as a ground cover. I'm surprised that they don't smell. Maybe I have an especially odiferous S. gigantea or maybe I'm just sensitive to the odor? I had about 6 open at once in the GH and I couldn't walk in without holding my breath. I'm surprised that they survive outside in your zone. My GH heater went off for a day last winter and a good portion of my S. gigantea rotted.
CorpsmanCooper
Original Author
11 years ago
I honestly don't know how I do it LOL! I had no idea what the heck it was when I got it from my grandmother's neighbor. I got it February 2011 and just plopped it in the ground where you see it now. Not only is it doing well it's thriving! It has quadrupled in size! It never bloomed last year. This is the first time it's bloomed. I completely ignore it except when it might frost. It gets partial sun. Apparently it's super happy where it's at!

~Erin~
wantonamara Z8 CenTex
11 years ago
I came home from the dentist last week, my face all numb, and found my S. gigantea just hanging out with his trap opening wide and the flies flying in and taking up residence. I felt just like it not an hour earlier. Mouth wide open to all incoming and outgoing flies. I made me crack a rather lopsided smile.

{{gwi:641342}}

Now turn your hed to the right, and open just a little wider. Yes , that's good.

{{gwi:641343}}

Ahh, got that winning smile going again.

{{gwi:641344}}

{{gwi:641345}}
CorpsmanCooper
Original Author
11 years ago
Very nice Mara!

~Erin~

I finally have my answer!

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