Phipps Conservatory is saying so long to their Agave americana, or century plant.
Nestled in their desert greenhouse, this succulent has been growing for over 50 years, and exponentially so this summer. In the spring, Phipps announced a rare triple-bloom of their agave plants. The Agave lophantha, tequilana and americana all began the first (and last) blooms of their lifetime. As a monocarpic species, agaves make one big bloom, spread their off-shoots and then begin to die.
Paul g Wiegman
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Courtesy Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
Friday, July 24th, Phipps hosted a farewell celebration for the plant.
For the Agave americana, a centerpiece of Phipps’ “death blooms,” the plant is going out with a bang. The shrub alone can grow to six feet tall; but with the bloom? The plant has reached up and out, beyond the bounds of the greenhouse, as the conservatory removed glass from the roof to allow the sprout’s full height.
This past Friday, July 24, Phipps hosted a farewell celebration for the plant, featuring more information on the plant’s life, agave drinks and free succulents.
“Thousands of people have come to pay their respects to a plant that’s been part of the Phipps experience for decades,” said Phipps director of communication Joe Reed. “This spectacular bloom is a reminder that our relationship with nature grows deeper when we experience its wonders together.”
The century plant will be removed and composted within the next month or two. In its place, new specimens will be planted in the greenhouse.
Paul g Wiegman
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Courtesy Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
A panel in the greenhouse was removed to allow the bloom to grow.