Rare Agave that takes 40 years to flower is in full bloom on the Isle of Wight

A plant that blooms once in its lifetime and takes 40 years to mature has flowered. At a private hotel on the Isle of Wight in Ventnor. The Agave is in full bloom and is being displayed at The Old Park Hotel Owned by David Cell and his wife. The last Agave plant to flower venue was eight years ago. Unusually, the Agave mitis is also showing two spires of flowers rather than the usual single spire with both reaching 10ft in height. [data-ps-embed-type=slideshow] > iframe {position: absolute;top: 0;left: 0;}

_psEmbed(“https://uknip.photoshelter.com”); It is known as a century plant because it so rarely blooms and the plants die when flowering has finished. Many Agave plants in the UK will never bloom which makes this a rare chance for the public to see the species in all its glory. The Agave normally has long, fleshy and spiky leaves and can take between 20 and 40 years to produce a tall flower stalk that blossoms with a number of small flowers. It is known as a century plant because it rarely blooms The Agave originates from the cool highlands of Mexico. It thrives in the microclimate on the South coast and allows gardeners to grow a range of plants from all over the world. The subtropical gardens produce a Mediterranean feel and house many exotic plants including palms, ginger lilies and Magnolias. David Cell said: “It’s really exciting to see this Agave in flower and for it to put on such a remarkable show. “It is a great chance to view such a rare display. I am very pleased and it has shot up in a number of weeks after all the hot weather we have had. Normally they have to be kept indoor. [su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/3MJ95v4kcGw”]