Flower (Inflorescence): The plant produces a notably large deep purple to black spadix surrounded by a mottled spathe—typically purple or red-purple with lighter spots. This floral display coincides with a strong, putrid odor, reminiscent of decaying flesh, used to attract pollinating flies and beetles.
Leaves and Stem: After flowering, it unfurls single large leaves—often 60 cm (around 24 inches) or more across—held aloft on light-green stalks heavily spotted with larger, dramatic blotches.
Size: The leaf can span up to 1 meter in exceptional cases. Typically, the plant may reach 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) tall in total height, especially in well-established specimens.
Flower (Inflorescence): The plant produces a notably large deep purple to black spadix surrounded by a mottled spathe—typically purple or red-purple with lighter spots. This floral display coincides with a strong, putrid odor, reminiscent of decaying flesh, used to attract pollinating flies and beetles.
Leaves and Stem: After flowering, it unfurls single large leaves—often 60 cm (around 24 inches) or more across—held aloft on light-green stalks heavily spotted with larger, dramatic blotches.
Size: The leaf can span up to 1 meter in exceptional cases. Typically, the plant may reach 1.5 meters (about 5 feet) tall in total height, especially in well-established specimens.
Native Habitat: This variety originates from the Himalayas, particularly in India, thriving in shady, moist environments.
Hardiness: It is remarkably tough—hardy to USDA zones approximately 5b or 6a through 10b when appropriately protected or mulched.
Seasonality: Flowers typically emerge in late winter through early spring, followed by the large leaf in spring and summer.
Corms: The plant grows from large underground tubers (corms) that over time can reach impressive sizes (30 cm or more) and produce offsets, slowly forming clumps.
Light: Prefers shade to dappled shade, with limited tolerance for sun—especially during the hottest parts of the day.
Soil: Thrives in fertile, humus-rich, moist soil; tolerant of clay soils if well-drained.
Cold Protection: In cooler climates, mulching over winter or lifting corms and storing them frost-free is advised.
The flower’s thermogenic capability (heat generation) enhances its scent’s effectiveness in attracting pollinators.
A preferred specimen for exotic or tropical-themed gardens due to its bold foliage and dramatic bloom.
Deer-resistant and pollinator-friendly, particularly useful for gardeners looking for unusual conversation.
Popular wisdom (e.g., Missouri Botanical Garden) suggests placing the plant away from windows or walkways to avoid the overwhelming scent during bloom.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Indian Giant, Giant Voodoo Lily, Monarch of the East |
| Origin | Himalayan India / Asia |
| Height | Up to 1.5 meters (~5 ft) |
| Leaf Size | Up to 60 cm (24 in), occasionally up to 1 m in ideal conditions |
| Flower Characteristics | Deep-purple mottled spathe and spadix, strong putrid smell |
| Bloom Time | Late winter to early spring |
| Foliage Time | Spring through summer |
| Light | Shade or partial/dappled shade |
| Soil | Rich, moist, well-drained; tolerant of clay |
| Hardiness | USDA zones ~5b/6a to 10b; requiring protection in colder zones |
| Special Traits | Thermogenic flowers, offsets via corms, exotic foliage, deer-resistant |
| Size | 1 Litre, 2 Litre, 3 Litre, 5 Litre |
|---|
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.