Pete the Corpse Flower Set to Bloom in Geelong, Australia 2026

The corpse flower known as Pete is preparing to bloom at the Geelong Botanic Gardens in Australia, and it's expected to be a lot smellier this year. The plant, a titan arum, has been rapidly gaining height and turning purple, signs that it will soon unfurl its massive bloom and release its signature rotting-flesh scent.

This will be the second corpse flower bloom at the gardens in two years—a normally rare event that has been dubbed a "smelly sequel." The flower broke through the soil at the end of September and is now 178cm tall, nearly double the size of the previous bloom, Betsy, which flowered in 2024.

What Is a Corpse Flower?

The titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum) is commonly called the corpse flower due to its putrid stench, often described as a mix of decaying possum, old sweaty socks, or the "rich stench of a public bin on a 40-degree day." Native to Sumatra, the plant is renowned for its massive inflorescence and rare blooming cycle.

Corpse flowers typically bloom only once every few years, and the bloom lasts just 24 to 48 hours. The Geelong gardens' first bloom, Betsy, drew thousands of visitors in 2024, and now Pete is set to attract even more attention due to its larger size.

Pete's Impressive Growth

Pete, who is 13 years old, already towers above Tracie Abel, a horticulturist at the gardens. "It's pretty impressive," she says. "We're assuming that it's going to be a lot smellier this year, because it's a bigger plant, bigger flower." The flower is expected to unfurl as early as Sunday.

Both of Geelong's corpse flowers hail from Australia's corpse flower "mothership," the Botanic Gardens of South Australia, which has one of the biggest collections in the world. Matt Coulter, senior horticulture curator at the Botanic Gardens of South Australia, propagated the two plants from cuttings and tended to them for about eight years before donating them.

Why This Bloom Matters

The bloom of a corpse flower is a significant event for botanic gardens and plant enthusiasts. It provides a rare opportunity to witness one of nature's most unusual spectacles and to learn about the conservation of this endangered species. The Geelong bloom is particularly special because it's the second in two years, which is unusually frequent.

The event also highlights the important work of botanic gardens in cultivating and preserving rare plants. The collaboration between the Geelong Botanic Gardens and the Botanic Gardens of South Australia showcases how institutions can work together to share knowledge and resources.

What to Expect During the Bloom

When Pete blooms, it will release its signature scent to attract pollinators such as carrion beetles and flesh flies. The bloom will last only 24 to 48 hours, so visitors need to act fast if they want to experience it. The gardens are preparing for large crowds, similar to the turnout for Betsy's bloom.

For those who can't make it in person, the gardens may provide live updates or a livestream, as many botanic gardens do for such events. The bloom is expected to be a major attraction, drawing visitors from across Australia and beyond.

Key Takeaways

• Pete the corpse flower is set to bloom at Geelong Botanic Gardens, Australia, as early as Sunday.
• The bloom will last only 24 to 48 hours and is expected to be smellier than the previous bloom due to its larger size.
• This is the second corpse flower bloom at the gardens in two years, an unusually frequent occurrence.
• The plant is 178cm tall and 13 years old, originating from the Botanic Gardens of South Australia.
• Visitors are expected to flock to the gardens to witness the rare event.

Comparing Pete and Betsy

FAQ

For those interested in other rare botanical events, the corpse flower blooming draws thousands to California garden shows how these blooms captivate audiences worldwide. Similarly, the corpse flowers bloom in California: rare spectacle draws thousand highlights the widespread fascination with this plant.

Beyond the world of botany, Grand Goldman offers insights into various topics. If you're planning a trip to Australia, you might find our Australia travel guides useful for exploring other natural wonders. For those interested in the business side of such events, our business articles cover how attractions like this impact local economies. And if you're curious about other unique travel experiences, our camping guides offer ideas for outdoor adventures.

Finally, for a broader perspective on how natural phenomena draw crowds, see our coverage of celebrity events and fashion trends that often create similar buzz. Stay tuned to Grand Goldman for more updates on this and other fascinating stories.