In the early hours of Wednesday August 19th, the corpse flower in the Denver Botanic Gardens bloomed and started to emit its signature odor, described as a mixture of dead fish, rotting meat and dirty diapers. The flower is a burgundy red which mimics an animal carcass to attract flies and pollinators.
Erin Bird with the Denver Botanic Gardens says their corpse flower is 15 years old and comes from Indonesia and is just over 5 feet tall. Bird says this is the first time it has bloomed in its life cycle. Corpse flowers bloom just once every 10-15 years.
The bloom is expected to last for less than 48 hours and the smell will be strongest in the first 24 hours.
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Corpse Flower Blooms in Denver Botanic Gardens kgnu
People can see the corpse flower live on a stink cam. Denver Botanic Gardens are offering extended opening hours.
- Member Only Hours: Wednesday, Aug. 19th, 6-9 a.m.,
- Public Hours: Wednesday, Aug. 19th, 9 a.m. – midnight
- Thursday, Aug. 20th, 6 a.m. – midnight
- Friday, Aug. 21st, regular 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. hours resume
The plant is in the Orangery greenhouse near the Marnie’s Pavilion door. Glass has been removed to eliminate glare and release the odor. Viewing of the corpse flower is included in admission. Volunteers, staff and signs will guide visitors to the plant.
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Corpse Flower Blooms in Denver Botanic Gardens kgnu
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