Behind-The-Scenes Corpse Flower Propagation Experience 

Never before offered! Behind-The-Scenes Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanium) Propagation Experience

Hosted by the Director of Horticulture & Living Collections and the Chief Scientist. 
Includes a hosted lunch with the horticultural team.

Step into the extraordinary world of the Gardens’ famous Corpse Flower on an exclusive behind-the-scenes propagation tour led by John Siemon, Director of Horticulture & Living Collections, and Brett Summerell, Chief Scientist & Director Science, Education and Conservation. 

This rare experience offers unparalleled access to the hidden nursery operations behind one of the world’s most astonishing plants - the Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum), known for its enormous, short-lived bloom and its unforgettable scent. You’ll learn expert horticultural and scientific techniques used to propagate and safeguard one of the rarest, smelliest, and most majestic plants on Earth in addition to touring botanic crown jewels within Australia’s oldest plant nursery. 

Your experience concludes with a hosted lunch at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, where you’ll be joined by one of the expert horticultural team responsible for caring for the Corpse Flower collection. 

As an added touch, should another Corpse Flower bloom within the next two years, we will reach out to offer you a private viewing of this extraordinary 24-hour bloom and the chance to experience its famously putrescent scent for yourself! 

About your hosts 

John Siemon is a Horticultural Scientist and Director of Horticulture & Living Collections at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, where he oversees more than 730 hectares of living collections, displays, and natural landscapes across Sydney, Mount Annan, and Mount Tomah. His passion for plant diversity, conservation, and innovation makes him the perfect guide for this behind-the-scenes experience. 

Brett Summerell is the Chief Scientist & Director Science, Education and Conservation at the Botanic Gardens of Sydney, where he has been performing vital scientific research for over 30 years and leading a team of world-class plant scientists and education practitioners for nearly 20 years at Australia’s oldest scientific institution. 

What Makes the Corpse Flower So Special? 

Deep in the rainforests of Sumatra grows one of the world’s most astonishing botanical wonders: Amorphophallus titanum - known as the Corpse Flower or Titan Arum. 

Renowned for its enormous yet fleeting bloom (lasting only 24–48 hours) and its dramatic putrescent scent, this extraordinary plant has fascinated scientists and plant lovers worldwide. Each flowering is a rare global event and a powerful reminder of the fragility of biodiversity and the importance of conservation science. 

Find out more: https://www.botanicgardens.org.au/discover-and-learn/watch-listen-read/looking-back-corpse-flower 

Location: Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney  

No. of tickets for the winner: x4 

Ticket expiry: 2 years 

Time: Mid-week  

Duration: Half day 

Guide: John Siemon - Director of Horticulture & Living Collections & Brett Summerell - Chief Scientist & Director Science, Education and Conservation.  

Please note: Minor details of this experience may be adjusted due to staff availability, weather, or other circumstances. If any changes are necessary, we will contact you directly to confirm. Availability to book in this experience before the end-of-year holidays may be limited and cannot be guaranteed.