Stapelia gigantea
giant stapelia
S. gigantea is a succulent evergreen perennial to 20cm in height, with erect, 4-angled stems and foul-scented but spectacular, starry, buff-yellow flowers lined with dark red, to 35cm across
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Red Yellow | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Apocynaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Stapelia are succulent perennials with erect, angled, toothed fleshy stems and showy, star-shaped flowers usually unpleasantly scented, in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S Africa to Tanzania
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a mix of equal parts loam-based compost and grit. Top dress with grit. Provide full light with with shade from hot sun. Grow outdoors in gritty sharply drained soil in full sun in frost-free area
Propagation
Propagate by seed or separate rooted sections
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be attacked by mealybugs
Diseases
May be subject to black root rot
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.