Voodoo Magic

When I first got a voodoo lily bulb from a friend a few years ago, she told me about the bloom.

Voodoo lily blooming

She said that one day, you'll walk down into your basement and wonder what died down there.

That means the flower is in bloom.

It sounded so mysterious, I had no idea what to expect.

To be honest, I was a little nervous about the putrid smell, but I couldn't wait to see the flower!





 

The first couple of years, nothing grew but foliage. Then, finally, last spring it bloomed in my porch for the first time.

Voodoo flower spike

I was elated when I realized it was starting to flower!

I checked it every day, watching the bloom grow taller, skinnier and more intriguing.

Finally, it opened and... well, she was not kidding about the smell.

The stench only lasted a few days, but it was strong enough to make me gag every time I walked into the porch. 

Stored voodoo bulbs starting to flower

Well, here we go again.

I was watering plants the other day, and I discovered that two of the bulbs were starting to flower!

I thought, "Oh boy, it's about to get really stinky in my basement!!".









The voodoo lily is definitely the most unique plant I have in my tender bulb collection.

Voodoo flower opening

They look exotic, but are extremely easy to care for.

I have most of mine growing in a large pot. 

The pot goes outside in part shade during the summer. 

Once the frost kills the foliage, I bring the pot inside and put it in a corner in the basement and forget about it.

Voodoo lillies are actually perennial down to zone 6.

I've had bulbs survive the winter in my zone 4b gardens for several years now, although they don't flower outdoors in colder climates.

The foliage alone adds a unique tropical touch to the garden and is reason enough to grow this plant.

Voodoo Lily Foliage

Every summer my voodoo lily multiplies and I have tons of tiny bulbs.

Voodoo flower bud

The only bulbs that have bloomed for me so far have been about the size of an onion.

It seems they must need to reach a certain size before they will flower.

I've read that the reason this plant is called voodoo lily is because of the magic of the bloom.

It blooms out of a dormant bulb, even if the bulb isn't planted in dirt.

It's voodoo magic!

The reason for the smell is to attract flies and other insects that enjoy a meal of rotting flesh. These insects will pollinate the flower instead of bees.

Yes, they are stinky. But don't worry, the unique, amazing voodoo lily flower is well worth the smell.

Now, if you'll excuse me... I have to go see what died in my basement.

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