Stapelia grandiflora - Carrion Plant, Starfish Flower

Stapelia grandiflora has gorgeous red flowers. The first time the Carrion Plant bloomed I though someone had thrown trash in my yard the flower looked so garishly out of place. Then I looked closer and saw the aptly named Starfish Flower had finally bloomed. When I checked closer and gave it a sniff Stapelia grandiflora showed why the flys come visiting. Stapelia grandiflora is in the Milkweed family, Asclepidaceae. The Carrion Plant can bloom Spring or Fall. Stapelia grandiflora grows in sun or shade and can even be used as a houseplant in a well lit window. Stapelia grandiflora is easy to propagate by division. Stapelia grandiflora requires decent drainage and not much water. The Carrion Flower is native to South Africa. Stapelia grandiflora is Winter hardy into the low or mid 20°F range.