Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Night Blooming Cereus



Last night I was invited to a Night Blooming Cereus Party. The evening's event did not start until after 10:00 to make sure this gorgeous flower would begin blooming.

This night blooming plant only sends off a few blooms (after waiting seven years for the first bloom!) and it should not be missed. A friend of mine, Jude, called to say that last night would be the night. Everyone scurried with evening work. I had a ghost walk, there were other events on Ocracoke as well. I wore a white sundress to celebrate this occasion.

When Philip and I arrived, the plant was still just in bud. Everyone was disappointed, but sat out on the patio with a nice cold white wine and chatted until the midnight hour. As we began to leave, we noticed the three blooms were beginning to open. We stood literally watching as each petal opened up before our eyes. I took this photo in the wee hours. I understand that by daybreak, the bud would close never to be opened again. None of us stayed around that long, but what a wonderful event.

2 comments:

Rebecca Palm* Gallimaufry Photography* said...

Beautiful! What a lovely way to spend an evening.

Anonymous said...

thanks for coming. Last nite I had one bloom - which could be the last for the summer - maybe a few more in August. It is a turely amazing thing to see, especially since the plant is very gangly and kinda ugly all year but the few nites it has blooms. Will let you know about next years party - maybe we should do at 5:30 am with bloody marys. Jude

Thank you.

  The Trine University Theatre Company on closing night of The Matchmaker.