Bizarre Flowers from Around the World

Blossom & Cloth
Nov 4
3 min read

Flowers are often celebrated for their beauty and fragrance, but some blooms break the mold with their downright strange appearances, behaviors, or smells. From plants that mimic animals to those that smell like decay, the world of flora is full of surprises. Join us on a journey to explore some of the most bizarre flowers from around the globe, complete with fun facts and ideas for incorporating their quirky charm into your floral designs.

1. Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum)

Where It Grows: Native to the rainforests of Sumatra, Indonesia.
Why It’s Bizarre: Known as the world’s smelliest flower, the corpse flower emits a stench like rotting flesh to attract carrion beetles and flies for pollination. It can grow up to 10 feet tall and blooms only once every 7-10 years for just 24-48 hours!
Fun Fact: Its scientific name translates to “giant misshapen penis,” a nod to its unique, towering spadix (the central spike).
Design Idea: While you can’t bring the real thing indoors (phew!), create a dramatic centerpiece inspired by its bold structure. Use tall, spiky elements like red ginger or protea paired with dark foliage to mimic its striking look without the smell.

2. Monkey Orchid (Dracula simia)

Where It Grows: Cloud forests of Peru and Ecuador.
Why It’s Bizarre: Also called the “Dracula orchid,” its petals resemble a monkey’s face—hence the nickname. The petals’ uncanny likeness to a primate makes it a quirky standout.
Fun Fact: The “Dracula” part of its name refers to its blood-red, fang-like spurs, giving it a vampire-meets-monkey vibe.
Design Idea: Use monkey orchids in a whimsical terrarium display with moss and ferns for a jungle-inspired look. Perfect for a quirky wedding or a nature-themed event.

Monkey Orchid

3. Bleeding Heart (Lamprocapnos spectabilis)

Where It Grows: Native to Asia, popular in temperate gardens worldwide.
Why It’s Bizarre: Its heart-shaped pink flowers dangle like pendants, with a white “teardrop” at the bottom, giving the illusion of a bleeding heart.
Fun Fact: In folklore, the bleeding heart is tied to tales of unrequited love, with each part of the flower symbolizing a stage in a tragic love story when dissected.
Design Idea: Create a romantic yet melancholic bouquet with bleeding hearts, deep red roses, and ivy for a gothic-inspired arrangement, ideal for storytelling through flowers.

4. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)

Where It Grows: Native to the Mediterranean, widely cultivated.
Why It’s Bizarre: When the flowers die and dry out, they resemble tiny skulls. Squeeze a fresh snapdragon, and its “mouth” opens and closes like a dragon’s jaw.
Fun Fact: In Victorian times, snapdragons symbolized deception because of their ability to “hide” their skull-like form until dried.
Design Idea: Incorporate snapdragons into a Halloween-themed bouquet with black calla lilies and orange dahlias for a spooky yet chic vibe.

5. Venus Flytrap (Dionaea muscipula)

Where It Grows: Native to the wetlands of North and South Carolina, USA.
Why It’s Bizarre: Technically a carnivorous plant, its trap-like leaves snap shut to capture insects. It’s a flower with a predatory streak!
Fun Fact: Each trap can only snap shut about 4-7 times before it dies, making every “bite” a calculated move.
Design Idea: Pair Venus flytraps with other carnivorous plants like pitcher plants in a modern terrarium for a conversation-starting centerpiece at a botanical event.

A Word of Caution

Some of these flowers, like the corpse flower or Venus flytrap, aren’t practical for everyday bouquets due to their rarity, smell, or care needs. Research availability and care requirements before sourcing, and consider using look-alike flowers or artificial replicas for certain designs. For example, use tall red anthuriums to mimic the corpse flower’s drama without the odor.

Final Thoughts

The world of bizarre flowers proves that nature has a wild imagination. From skull-shaped snapdragons to monkey-faced orchids, these blooms add a touch of the unexpected to floral design. Whether you’re crafting a gothic bouquet with bleeding hearts or a jungle-inspired terrarium with Venus flytraps, let these oddities inspire you to push creative boundaries.