Persian Carpet Flower: A Stunning Succulent That’s Almost Too Beautiful to Believe
If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a Persian rug decided to become a flower, you’d probably end up with something like the Persian carpet flower (Edithcolea). This remarkable succulent produces blooms so intricately patterned and uniquely beautiful that many people assume they must be fake when they first see them.
What Makes Persian Carpet Flower Special?
The Persian carpet flower gets its common name from its absolutely stunning star-shaped blooms. These fascinating flowers feature intricate geometric patterns in rich reddish-brown and yellow tones, complete with raised ridges that create an almost three-dimensional tapestry effect. Each bloom can reach several inches across and looks like it was designed by a master craftsperson rather than nature.
But here’s where things get interesting – this beauty comes with a twist. The flowers emit a distinctly unpleasant odor reminiscent of rotting meat. While this might sound off-putting to us, it’s actually a clever evolutionary strategy to attract flies for pollination.
Where Does Persian Carpet Flower Come From?
This exotic succulent is native to the Horn of Africa, particularly Somalia and Ethiopia, where it thrives in arid, rocky landscapes. In its natural habitat, it grows as a low-spreading succulent that can handle extreme drought and intense heat.
Is Persian Carpet Flower Right for Your Garden?
Persian carpet flower can make an absolutely stunning addition to the right garden, but it’s definitely not for everyone. Here’s what you need to consider:
The Good:
- Incredibly unique and eye-catching flowers
- Extremely drought tolerant once established
- Low maintenance requirements
- Excellent conversation starter
- Perfect for succulent collections
The Challenges:
- Strong unpleasant odor when flowering
- Very frost sensitive (USDA zones 9b-11 only)
- Can be difficult to find and expensive to purchase
- Not native to North America
Growing Persian Carpet Flower Successfully
If you’re in the right climate zone and ready to embrace this quirky beauty, here’s how to grow Persian carpet flower successfully:
Growing Conditions
- Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
- Soil: Extremely well-draining soil is crucial – think cactus mix or sandy soil
- Water: Drought tolerant; water sparingly and allow soil to dry completely between waterings
- Temperature: Protect from frost; bring indoors if temperatures drop below 35°F
Planting and Care Tips
- Plant in containers if you live outside zones 9b-11 so you can bring it indoors during winter
- Choose a location with excellent drainage – waterlogged roots will kill this plant quickly
- Fertilize very lightly during growing season, if at all
- Be patient – this is a slow-growing plant that may take years to flower
- Place where the flowering odor won’t be problematic (away from patios and windows)
Design Ideas and Garden Compatibility
Persian carpet flower works best in:
- Succulent and cactus gardens
- Desert-themed landscapes
- Rock gardens
- Container gardens (especially recommended for colder climates)
- Xeriscaping projects
Due to its unique appearance and conversation-starting potential, it’s best used as a specimen plant rather than massed in groups.
Consider Native Alternatives
While Persian carpet flower isn’t invasive, gardeners interested in supporting local ecosystems might consider native alternatives that offer similar drought tolerance and unique appeal. Depending on your region, options might include native sedums, native cacti, or other drought-tolerant native succulents that provide benefits to local wildlife.
The Bottom Line
Persian carpet flower is definitely a love it or leave it kind of plant. If you’re fascinated by unusual succulents, live in a warm climate (or don’t mind container gardening), and can handle the occasional whiff of eau de roadkill, this could be an incredible addition to your garden. Just be prepared to spend some time explaining to visitors that yes, those flowers are real, and no, something didn’t die in your garden – that’s just how they smell!
For most gardeners, this plant represents the perfect intersection of botanical artistry and nature’s sense of humor. Sometimes the most beautiful things come with the quirkiest personalities.
