The spookiest plants for Halloween | The Independent
As Halloween approaches, the quest for eerie decorations intensifies beyond the traditional carved pumpkin lanterns. If you’re aiming to raise the scare factor in your home or garden, look no further than these spooky plants that are sure to add a chilling touch to your Halloween scene.
In the Garden:
1. Doll’s eyes (Actaea pachypoda): With its white berries featuring black “eyes” on red stalks, this perennial plant, also known as ‘doll’s eyes’ or white baneberry, exudes a sinister vibe. Beware though, as the berries are poisonous.
2. Eryngium giganteum: This thistle-like plant, nicknamed ‘Miss Willmott’s Ghost’ or ‘Silver Ghost’, showcases spooky silver bracts surrounding a conical seedhead that fades in tone around Halloween, resembling a skeleton-like specimen.
3. Dead man’s fingers (Decaisnea fargesii): The bean pods of this shrub morph into a startling shade of blue, hanging eerily from its branches just in time for Halloween. However, the unappetising gelatinous pulp surrounding the seeds makes it less than ideal for consumption.
4. Corkscrew hazel (Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’): The twisted branches of this shrub, reminiscent of a witch’s aura, remain contorted through winter, providing an eerie display. Cut some stems for an indoor twisty decoration.
5. Pyracantha ‘Orange glow’: This bushy shrub not only deters unwelcome visitors with its spikes but also adds a Halloween hue to your garden with its bright orange berries against glossy green leaves.
Indoor Plants:
1. Air plant: These peculiar plants, which thrive without soil, dangle like cobwebs from shelves, creating a ghostly effect in your home.
2. Touch-me-not plant (Mimosa pudica): The sensitive leaves of this plant fold up when touched, serving as a defence mechanism. Place them in a humid environment for the best effect.
3. Brain cactus (Celosia cristata): Pots of brain cactus can enhance your Halloween decor, resembling human brains with their twisting stems. They are low-maintenance and come in various colours.
4. Snake plant (sansevieria): The upright, spiky leaves of the snake plant make it an uninviting addition to your home, yet it helps filter airborne toxins. It comes in different colours and is quite resilient.
5. Carrion flower: Emitting a foul stench akin to rotting meat, the flowers of this succulent attract flies for pollination. Plant it in well-drained substrate and watch your visitors’ reactions as they take a whiff.
As you prepare for Halloween festivities, consider incorporating these spook-tacular plants into your decor for a truly chilling and memorable experience.