Rare Corpse Flower Bloom - 24 HOURS ONLY!
When:
Sunday, Jul 27, 2025 8:00p -
Monday, Jul 28, 2025 6:00p
Sunday, Jul 27, 2025 8:00p -
Monday, Jul 28, 2025 6:00p
Where:
The Garden at Elm Bank
900 Washington Street
Wellesley, MA 02482
Admission:
$0-16
Hosted by:
Categories:
Photoworthy
Event website:
https://www.masshort.org/corpse-flower
A corpse flower will bloom for only 24-36 hours this evening at the Garden at Elm Bank. In partnership with Wheaton College, MHS is hosting a Titan Arum (Amorphophallus titanum), commonly known as the corpse flower, which will bloom only for the next 24–36 hours. This rare bloom is known for its striking size and infamous odor. Timed tickets are required to view and smell the flower and can be purchased at www.masshort.org/corpseflower.
Timed tickets are available from 8pm through midnight tonight, Sunday, July 27 and starting 8am through 6pm tomorrow, Monday, July 28. At midnight, MHS President & Executive Director James Hearsum will pollinate the flower, encouraging it to go to seed after the bloom withers. The pollination will be closed to the public, but will be recorded and livestreamed on www.masshort.org/corpse-flower.
The plant, affectionately named Eliza by Wheaton College’s Animal Facility and Greenhouse Manager Amanda Bettle, was cultivated over several years in the college’s greenhouse in Norton, MA. “This flower is truly amazing,” said Amanda. “It has spectacular adaptations from its size, to the smell, and its brief blooming period. Wheaton College wanted to be able to share this with everyone.” Eliza is part of the college’s Greenhouse teaching collection, where they grow a wide range of plants. The flower was transported to the Garden at Elm Bank earlier this week in anticipation of its first full bloom.
Now, as it finds a temporary home in Wellesley, MHS staff, guests, and members have anticipated this bloom since the bud arrived at the Garden on Tuesday, July 22. “We are thrilled to share this unique opportunity to witness one of the plant world’s most extraordinary spectacles,” said Karen Daubmann, Director of Garden and Programs at MHS. “Partnerships like this with Wheaton College allow us to highlight the unique sensory experiences that can be found in gardens — and this is one of the most shocking!”
Native to the rainforests of western Sumatra, the Titan Arum is one of the largest flowering structures in the plant kingdom. Its bloom is unpredictable and infrequent, requiring years of energy storage in a massive underground corm. When ready, it produces a towering inflorescence—reaching up to 10 feet tall—surrounded by a dramatic, ruffled spathe. During bloom, it releases a powerful odor that mimics decaying flesh to attract carrion beetles and flesh flies, its natural pollinators.
Special timed ticketing is required to visit for both paid and free tickets. Garden admission is $14 for Adults | $5 for Children (ages 3–17) | FREE for: MHS Members & their children; Wheaton College students, faculty and staff with valid ID; and children 2 and under.
For up-to-date information and livestream access, visit www.masshort.org/corpse-flower.
