Stapelia Grandiflora

The common name for the plant below is the starfish cactus. The flower is shaped like a star. The flower is also surprisingly large, hairy, and also quite malodorous -  but beautiful, all at the same time.  I've been monitoring this succulent for weeks now, since I first bud saw the bud trying to push its head out. It was the size of a pin head. I could not resist taking a picture.

July 31st

Surprisingly, I did take another picture of this bloom until August 28th. What was I doing? Oh wait, I was photographing other succulents in bloom. In the mean time, big boy here was still doing his thing, waiting for his time to shine. Here is he one month later. Still small but getting there.

August 28th, and he's not alone

September 10th

September 14th, two different views

September 16th, check the size

Today, Big Hairy, Stinky and Beautiful

Check out the corona lobes

This flower measures 9 inches across, but some of these flowers can be 12 inches wide. The starfish cactus flower has a rank odor that attract flies and other insects which it uses to pollinate the blooms. Even this unpleasant odor can't take away from the amazing beauty of this plant. 

As you can see, there are more buds at different stages in size.  Everyone just wants to be a star. And they will.  Stay turned.

Happy Labor Day

Summer loves are behind us. Autumn joys are just ahead.

Echinacea 'Cheyenne Spirit'

In the garden there are a number of projects that are still be completed: 1.) clean up the pond area, 2.) create a new shade garden in the backyard, 3.) plant new purchases in the front yard, and 4.) begin work on a new rock garden. It's simply been too hot lately, in the low 90s everyday. Not good for putting new plants in the ground. We expect another week of 90s ahead. So until the weather cools down, I will continue to enjoy the blooms on my potted succulents.

Adenium obesum on 8/28

And today

Here is the potted succulent

No, it doesn't stop here, I still have some Aloes blooming and there are a few more that are budding up nicely. So you see, some like it hot.

Stapelia grandiflora buds

A closer look

 Astrophytum asterias x ornatum second time for the season.

Gymnocalycium friedrichii more blooms coming.

 Plumeria another branch is budding. Blooms have a fantastic fragrant.

Monadenium ritchiei

Have a great Labor Day, enjoy and be careful.