Gorgeous Night Blooming Cereus in studio
July 18, 2009 by Noreen Crone-Findlay
Filed under inspiration, miscellaneous
There I was, working away at my new book (I’ve been working on this book for months and months…. well, years, really) and was feeling absolutely delighted that I am rounding in on getting it ready for release- when suddenly, I noticed that something smelled absolutely gorgeous.
Wowsa! The Night Blooming Cereus is blooming! Omigosh! scramble madly for the camera!
I’ve been watching the buds on the Night Blooming Cereus in the studio for about a month now…. and started taking pics a several weeks ago when the buds started getting big enough to show up in pics:
Photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright
photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright
I thought that it would open tomorrow, so was startled to see it suddenly opening tonight….
by the way, I just love that it is also called ‘The Queen of the Night’, ‘Lunar Flower’, Luna Flower’, ‘Moon Flower’ or ‘Reina de la Nocha’.
It’s a REALLY big deal when she blooms, as she throws out an exuberant glorious, spectacular flurry of floral joy that lasts only a few hours.
You can actually see the flower pulsing open! and it’s one dazzling show! Sadly, it’s over in a matter of hours… but, oh those hours!
Photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright
Photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright
Photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright
Photo by Noreen Crone-Findlay copyright
I’ve taken dozens and dozens of pics in the last few hours, and now, (12:30 am as I write this) my beautiful Queen of the Night is beginning her retreat…. she’s closing down……
Good night, sweet Luna Queen….
By morning, she will have closed and be hanging quietly asleep, and in a day or so, will drop to the ground. I’ll take her outside and say a final goodbye…..
Beautiful! I think I could stay up late for that bloom!
Oooohhh! Thanks for this post and pictures! It reminded me of when my mother would wake me up in the middle of the night to see hers bloom. Thankfully, I appreciated the beauty. I haven’t seen one for years and years.
Thanks, Diane! It was 12 inches across by the time it peaked!
I am so excited, because there is a second bud on the plant, looking like tonight will be the night for it!
WOW!
Hi Randi
The blooms really are worthwhile waking up for….
I am so pleased that the pics of ours brought back happy memories for you!