The plant itself, commonly known as an American columbo, is native to areas located from Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and north all the way into Canada. It is a monocarpic geranium, meaning it only blooms once and then it dies. For the American columbo that bloom may not happen for more than a dozen years.
[Ads /]
This particular plant in Chapel Hill is 19 years old.
Botanical garden employees said they expect the flowering of the plant to last through mid-to-late May.
For anyone that can make it to the botanical garden, the flower will be quite a sight to see. It's flowering stalk could grow to 8 feet high. The stem will be a green to purple color with flowers that are light green to white and dotted with purple.
[Ads /]
NC Botanical Garden is currently open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. On Thursday until June 13, the museum stays open until 7 p.m. for Twilight Thursdays. On Sunday, the garden is open from 1-5 p.m.
Admission to the garden is free. To learn more about planning your trip, click here.