I am fascinated by agave blooms and also a little disturbed by them. They are striking and beautiful. But since agaves are monocarpic they bloom once and die, and who wants a big beautiful agave to die? Not me. Of course there are usually pups left behind so the mother plant does sort of live on through the babies.Since most of my agave collection is potted (rather than planted in the ground), I didn’t think I’d ever experience an agave bloom spike, like the Germinatrix recently did. I figured I was forever stunting them and the plants wouldn't be able to achieve that level of "maturity."
I have been proven wrong by somone named Mike...
I found these images on the Northwest Palms Discussion Board. A fellow by the name of Mike has an Agave Parryi that is blooming, and it’s in a pot. Mike doesn’t give any information about where he lives but most of the people who post on this board are in the Pacific Northwest. Very interesting…it could happen here! It could happen to me!
Interesting! Now I know that agave does not need to have deep pot or ground for its root. I saw a similar one here. It reaches the height of a two storey bungalow just like this one! Btw, you mentioned that it will bloom only one time then die. Hmm... no wonder the bloom stays for a long period of time ;-)
ReplyDeleteI was thinking the same thing, destined to go without flowers, I might go for it - try planting a. havardiana in the ground, since it's been so easygoing. Not that I really want my agaves to flower and die, but I would like to have all those pups. I wonder at what point the pot gets too top heavy and tips over.
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing a yard in Santa Clara, CA, with spiny plants out front and a bunch of REALLY tall flower spikes - taller than the house. I didn't know what they were, but since seeing agave blooms several times since, I've realized that they were agave blooms. I can't say I find the flowers attractive, but agaves are growing on me.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, my in-laws had an agave bloom fall over and damage their house. Not only are they long lasting but they can be damaging too!
ReplyDeleteMegan, I wondered about it tipping over too. You should plant the a. havardiana in the ground! Do you have a spot with super good drainage?
VW, YEA!!!! I am SO happy to hear you are seeing the agave beauty! I bought my mom 2 small agaves for mothers day a couple of years ago. They were from Flagstaff AZ and should have been able to withstand the Spokane winter cold. Unfortunately they did not. I think maybe the drainage wasn't right. Maybe you have a perfect spot in your garden!
Oops! that's pretty scary ;-)
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